;"■( ms MPIS. \^^'' f. 1 % i V KEMPIS (Thomas 4') Of the Imitation ot Christ, Four Books, 8vo, cl., 1878 /?7^-. OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. vv\V\ I', '^^. "^//• M^ %: Btl!fB LIBRSffV OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. ^^Qxxx ^ojdIis. BY THOMAS A KEMPIS. ^onbon : CliAPMAX AND HALL, 193, PICCADILLY, W. 1S7S. LONDON : K. CI AY, SONS, AND TAVl OR, BREAD STREET HILt.. PREFACE, The text of the present translation of the Imitation of Christ is the same as that issued by Messrs. Rivingtons in 1876, to whom the thanks of the pubhshers are due for their permission to make use of it in this edition. CONTENTS. THE FIRST BOOK. ADMONITIONS, USEFUL FOR A SPIRITUAL LIFE. Chap. Page I. Of the Imitation of Christ, and contempt of all the vanities of the world ---------i II. Of thinking humbly of ourselves ----- 4 III. Of the doctrine of Truth ------- 7 IV. Of wisdom and forethought in our actions - - - - 12 V. Of reading the Holy Scriptures 14 VI. Of inordinate affections - - - - - - - 16 VII. Of avoiding vain hope and pride ----- 18 VIII. That too much familiarity is to be shunned - - - 20 IX. Of obedience and subjection ...... 2.2 X. Of avoiding many words ------- 24 XI. Of the obtaining of peace, and of zealous desire for growth in grace ....---.- 26 XII. Of the pvofit of adversity ------- 29 XIII. Of resisting temptation 31 XIV. Of avoiding rash judgment ... - - . ^6 XV. Of works done out of charity ------ 38 XVI. Of bearing with the faults of others ----- 40 XVH. Of life in a religious community ----- 43 XVIII. Of the examples of the Holy Fathers - - - - 45 XIX. Of the exercises of a good religious person - - - 49 XX. Of the love of solitude and silence 54 XXI. Of compunction of heart ------ 60 XXII. Of the consideration of human misery - - - - 64 .\XIII. Of meditation on death 69 XXIV. Of judgment, and the punishment of sinners - - - 75 XXV. Of the zealous amendment of our whole life - - - 81 THE SECOND BOOK. ADMONITIONS CONCERNINO INWARD THINGS. I. Of the inward life 9' II. Of humble submission - 97 III. Of a good and peaceal)le man ------ 99 IV. Of a pure mind, and a sini])]e intention - . - - 102 V. Of the consideration of one's self 104 VI. Of the joy of a good conscience . . - . . 107 cox TEXTS. Ch\p. Page VII. Of the love of Jesus above all things - - - - - no \'I1I. Of familiar friendship with Jesus ... - - 112 IX. Of the want of all comfort - - . - - - - 1 16 X. Of gratitude for the grace of God - - - - - 121 ' XI. That the lovers of the Cross of Jesus are few - - - 125 XII. Of the royal way of the holy Cross - - - . - 129 THE THIRD BOOK. OF INTERNAL CONSOLATION. I. Of Christ's speaking inwardly to the faithful soul - - 141 II. That the truth speakclh inwardly without noise of words - 143 III. Tiiat the words of God are to be heard with humility, and that many weigh them not - - - - - - 146 I\'. That we ought to live in truth and humility before God - 150 V. Of the wonderful effect of divine love - - - - 153 \T. Of the proving of a true lover ..---. 158 Vn. That grace is to l)e guarded by humility .... 162 Vm. Of a mean conceit of ourselves in the sight of God - - 167 IX. That all things aie to be referred unto God, as their last end 169 X. That to despise the world and serve God, is sweet - - 1 71 XI. That the longings and desires of our hearts are to Ije examined and moderated - - - - - - I75 XII. Of the growth of patience in the soul, and of striving against concupiscence - - - - - - - 178 XIII. Of humble obedience after the e.\ample of Jesus Christ - 181 XIV. Of considering the secret judgments of God, that so we be not lifted up for any thing good in us - - - - 1S4 XV. In every thing which we desire, how we ought to feel, and what we ought to say - - - - - - - 187 X\'l. That true comfort is to be sought in God alone - - - 190 X\'II. That all our an.xieties are to be rested on God - - - 192 XVIII. That temporal sufferings must be borne patiently, after the example of Christ .------- 194 XIX. Of the endurance of injuries, and of the proof of true patience 197 XX. Of the acknowledging of our own infirmities; and of the suffer'ngs of this life ..--... 200 XXI. That we are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits - 204 .XXII. Of the remembrance of God's manifold benefits - - 209 .XXIII. Of four things that bring great inward peace - - - 213 .XXI\'. Of avoiding curious empiiry into the lives of others - - 217 .\.\\'. Wherein firm peace of heart and true spiritual progress consisteth - - - - - - - - - 219 .XXVI. Of the excellency of a free mind, which is sooner gained by humble pr.ayer than by study 222 X.XVil. That it is love of self which most hindereth from the chielest good .--...-. 225 CONTENTS. Chap. XXVIII. Against the tongues of slanderers - - - - - XXIX. How that we ought to call upon God, and to bless him, when tribulation is upon us - - - - - XXX. Of craving the divine aid, and of confidence of recovering grace ......... XXXI. Of the contempt of all creatures, in order to find out the Creator ----.-.-. XXXII. Of self-denial, and renouncing every evil appetite - XXXIII. Of inconstancy of heart, and of having our final intent directed unto God ------- XXXIV. That God is precious above all things, and in all things, to him that loveth him ----.. XXXV. That there is no security from temptation in this life XXXVI. Against the vain judgments of men - - - . XXXVII. Of pure and entire resignation for the obtaining freedom of heart ----.-.-. XXXVIII. Of good government of ourselves in things outward, and of recourse to God in dangers - - - - . XXXIX. That a man should not be over-careful in matters of business -.----.-. XL. That man hath of himself no good thing, nor any thing whereof he can glory --.-.. XLI. Of the contempt of all temporal honour XLII. That our peace is not to be set on men - . . - XLIII. Against vain and secular knowledge - - - . XLIV. Of not attracting to ourselves outward thmgs XLV. That credit is not to be given to all ; and that man is prone to offend in words ------ XLVI. Of putting our trust in God when evil words arise XLVII. That all grievous things are to be endured for the sake of eternal life -.-.--.- XLVIII. Of the day of eternity, and this life's straitnesses - XLIX. Of the desire of everlasting life, and how great rewards are promised to those that strive resolutely L. How the desolate ought to give up himself into the hands of God ......... LI. That a man ought to employ himself in works of humility, when strength is wanting for higher employment LII. That a man ought not to account himself as worthy of comfort, but rather as deserving of chastisement LIII. That the grace of God is not given to those who relish earthly things .-..---. LIV. Of the different stirrings of nature and grace LV. Of the corruption of nature, and the efficacy of divine grace LVI. That we ought to deny ourselves and imitate Christ by the Cross --------- LVI I. That a man should not be too much dejected, even when he falleth into some defects - . - - . LVIII. That high matters and God's secret judgments are not to be narrowly iuijuired into ------ LIX. That all our hope and trust are to be fixed in God alone Page 228 232 236 240 243 245 248 251 254 257 259 261 264 266 268 271 273 277 281 284 289 294 299 301 304 307 318 322 325 CONTENTS. THE FOURTH BOOK. CONCERNING THE COMiMUNION. Chap. Page A devout exhortation to the holy communion - - - 337 I. With how great reverence Christ ought to be received - - 339 II. That the great goodness and love of God is exhibited to man in this sacrament .-.--... 347 III. That it is profitable to communicate often ... - 3^2 IV. That many benefits are bestowed upon those that communicate devoutly ....... . . 356 V. Of the dignity of this sacrament, and of the ministerial function 361 VI. An inquiry concerning spiritual exercise before communion - 364 VII. Of thoroughly searching our own conscience, and of holy purposes of amendment ------- 366 \'III. Of the oblation of Christ on the cross, and of resignation of ourselves .-..--.-- 370 IX. That we ought to offer up ourselves and all that is ours unto God, and to pray for all ------ - 372 X. That the holy communion is not lightly to be forborne - 376 XI. That the bod)' and blood of Christ and the holy scriptures are most necessary unto a faithful soul - - - - - 381 XII. That he who is about to communicate with Christ ought to prepare himself with great diligence - . - - 387 XIII. That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to seek union with Christ in this sacrament - - - - - 391 XIV. Of the fervent desire of some devout persons to receive the body and blood of Christ - - - - - - 394 XV. That the grace of devotion is obtained by humility and denial of ourselves ---.----. 397 XVI. That we ought to lay open our necessities to Christ, and to crave his grace -------- 400 X\'IT. r)f fervent love, and vehement desire to receive Christ - 402 XVIII. That a man should not be a curious searcher into the holy sacrament, but an humble follower of Christ, submitting his sense to divine faith 406 f I It: ibat followeth. me shall nui walk in darkness. jotmVUr r<: OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. (Lbc Jfii'st ^ooh. ADMONITIONS, USEFUL FOR A sriRUrUAL FIFI';. CHAPTER I. Of the Imitation of Christy and Contempt of all the ] Canities of the World. E that followeth Me, walketh not in darkness,"^ saith the Eord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are taught to imitate His hfe and manners, if we would be truly enlightened, and be delivered from all blindness of heart. E(.;t therefore our chief endeavour ])e to meditate upon the lite of Jfsus Christ. 1 [ohn viii. i 2. 2 IMITATION OF CHRIST. 2. The doctrine of Christ exceeclcth all the doctrines of hol\- men ; and he that hath the Spirit, will hnd therein the hidden manna. But it falleth out, that many, albeit they often hear the Gospel cf Christ, are yet but little affected, because they have not the Spirit of Christ. W'hosoever then would fully and feelingly understand the words of Christ, must endeavour to conform his life wholly to the life of Christ. 3. \\ hat will it avail thee to be engaged in profound reasonings concerning the Trinity, if thou be void of humility, and art thereby dis- pleasing to the Trinity ? SureU' great words do not make a man holy and just ; but a virtuous life maketh hini dear to God. I had rather i-f.el compunction, than know the definition thereof. If thou knewest the whole Bible by heart, and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would it profit thee without the love of God ^ and without grace ? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity,- except to love God, and Him only to serve. This is the highest wisdom, by contempt of the world to tend towards the kingdom of Heaven. 4. It is therefore vanity to seek after perishing riches, and to trust in them. ' I Cor. xiii. 2. - ICccles. i. 2. IMITATION OF CHRIST. It is also vanity to strive after honours, and to climb to high degree. It is vanity to follow the desires of the flesh, and to labour for that for which thou must after- wards suffer grievous punishment. It is vanity to desire to live long, and not to care to live well. It is vanity to mind only this present life, and not to make provision for those things which are to come. It is vanity to love that which speedily passeth away, and not to hasten thither where everlasting joy awaiteth thee. 5. Call often to mind that proverb, " The eye is- not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." ^ Endeavour therefore to withdraw thy heart from the love of visible things, and to turn thyself to the invisible. For they that follow their lusts stain their own consciences, and lose the grace of God. ' Eccles. i. 8. B 2 CHAPTER II. Of tJiiuking Jimnbly of Ourselves. LL men naturally desire know- ledge ; ^ but what availeth knowledge without the fear of God? Surely, an humble husband- man that serveth God, is better than a proud philo- sopher who, neglecting himself, is occupied in studying the course of the heavens. Whoso knoweth himself, is lowly in his own eyes, and delighteth not in the praises of men. If I understood all thino^s in the world, and had not charity, what would it avail me in the sight of God, who will judge me according to my deeds ? 2. Cease from an inordinate desire of know- ledge, for therein is much distraction and deceit. I Eccles. i. 13; Arist. Met. 1. 1. IMITATION OF CHRIST. Learned men are anxious to seem learned to others, and to be called wise.^ There be many things to know which doth little or nothing profit the soul :^ And he is very- unwise who minds other things more than those that tend to his salvation. Many words do not satisfy the soul ; but a good life comforteth the mind, and a pure conscience giveth great confidence toward God. 3. The more thou knowest, and the better thou understandest, the more strictly shalt thou be judged, unless thy life be also the more holy. Be not therefore elated in thine own mind because of any art or science, but rather let the knowledge elven thee make thee afraid. If thou thinkest that thou understandest and knowest much ; yet know that there be many more thino-s which thou knowest not. Affect not to be overwise, but rather acknow- ledore thine own io^norance.^ Why wilt thou prefer thyself before others, seeing there be many more learned, and more skilful in the Scripture than thou ? If thou wilt know or learn anything profitably, desire to be unknown, and to be little esteemed. 4. The highest and most profitable lesson is the true knowledge and lowly esteem of ourselves. ' I Cdr. iii. I . - Rom. xii. 16. IMITATION OF CHRIST. It is great wisdom and perfection to think nothing of ourselves, and to think always well and highly of others. If thou shouldest see another openly sin, or commit some heinous offence, yet oughtest thou not to think the better of thyself; for thou knowest not how long thou shalt be able to stand. We are all frail, ^ but do thou esteem none more frail than thyself. ^ Gen. \iii. 21. CHAPTER III Of the Doctrine of Truth. 1; APPY is he whom truth 1))- itself doth teach/ not b)- figures and, words that pass away, but as it is in itself. Our own opinion and our own sense do often deceive us, and they discern but little. What availeth it to cavil and dispute much about dark and hidden things,- for ignorance of which we shall not be reproved at the day of judgment ? It is a great folly to neglect the things that are profitable and necessary, and to choose to dwell upon that which is curious and hurtful. We have eyes and see not."' ^ Psalm xciv. i . ■ I'ccles. iii. 911. liin IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. 2. And what have we to do with genera and species? He to whom the Eternal Word speaketh, is deHvcred from many an opinion. From one Word are all things, and all things utter one Word ; and this is the Beginning, which also speaketh unto us. No man without that Word understandeth or judgeth rightly. He to whom all things are one, he who rcduceth all things to one, and seeth all things in one ; may enjoy a quiet mind, and remain at peace in God. O God, who art the truth, make me one with Thee in everlasting love. It wearieth me often to read and hear many things: In Thee is all that I would have and can desire. Let all doctors hold their peace ; let all creatures be silent in Thy sight ; speak Thou alone unto me. 3. The more a man is at one within himself, and becometh of single heart, so much the more and hieher thino-s doth he understand without labour ; for that he receiveth the light of wisdom from above.^ A pure, single, and stable spirit is not dis- tracted, though it be employed in many works ; for that it doeth all to the honour of God, and ' Matt \i. -:^ : I uk. \. 21. IMITATION OF CHRIST. being at rest within, seeketh not itself in anything it doth. Who hinder and trouble thee more than the unmortihed affections of thine own heart ? A orood and devout man arrangfeth within him- self beforehand those thinors which he ouo-ht to do. Neither do they draw him to the desires of an inordinate inclination, but he ordereth them accordino^ to the direction of rio-ht reason. Who hath a orreater combat than he that laboureth to overcome himself.'^ This ought to be our endeavour, to conquer ourselves, and daily to wax stronger, and to grow in holiness. 4. All perfection in this life hath some imper- fection mixed with it ; and no knowledge of ours is without some darkness. A humble knowledge of thyself is a surer way to God than a deep search after learning. Yet learning is not to be blamed, nor the mere knowledge of any thing whatsoever, for that is good in itself, and ordained by God ; Init a good conscience and a virtuous life are always to be preferred before it. But because many endcax'our raiher to get knowledge than to live well ; therefore they are otten deceived, and rea[) either none or but litUc fruit. I o IMl 1 A TION OF CJIRJS 7 '. 5. O, if men bestowed as much labour in the rooting out of vices, and the planting of virtues, as they do in the moving of questions, neither would so many evils be done, nor so great scandal be eiven in the world. Truly, at the day of judgment we shall not be examined as to what we have read, but as to what we ha\'e done ; ^ not as to how well we have spoken, but as to how religiously we have lived. Tell me, where are all those Doctors and Masters, with whom thou wast well acquainted whilst they lived and flourished in learning ? Others occupy their places and perhaps do scarce ever think of those who went before them. In their lifetime they seemed something, but now they are not spoken of 6. O, how (juickly doth the glory of the world pass awa)' 1 - Would that their life had been answerable to their learnintr 1 then had their study and reading been to good purpose. How many perish by reason of vain learning"' of this world, who take little care of the serving of God. And because they rather choose to be great than humble, therefore they become vain in their imaginations.^ He is truly great w ho hath great love. ' Matt. \x\. - ICccles. ii. 11. ■' Tit. i. 10. ^ ivom. i. 21. IMITATION OF CHRLST. w He is truly great that is little in himself, and that maketh no account of any height of honour J He is truly wise, that accounteth all earthly things as clung, that he may win Christ.- And he is truly learned, that doeth the will of God, and forsaketh his own will. Matt. x\ iii. 4 : wiii. ! i. - Phil. iii. 8. CHAPTER IV. Of Wisdoui and ForctJioiigJit in our Actions. E must not trust every saying or suggestion,^ but warily and patiently ponder things accord- ing to the will of God. Yet alas ; such is our weak- ness, that we often rather be- lieve and speak evil of others than good. But perfect men do not easily credit every one who speaks to them ; for they know that human frailty is prone to evil,- and very subject to error in words.'^ 2. It is great wisdom not to be rash in thy doings,* nor to stand stiffly in thine own conceits ; ' I John iv. I. • I.uncs iii. 2. (icn. viii. 2 1. I 'row xix. IMITATION OF CHRIST. As also not to believe every thing which thou hearest, nor immediately to relate again to others^ what thou hast heard or dost believe. Consult with him that is wise and of sound judgment, and seek to be instructed by one better than thyself, rather than to follow thine own inventions. - A orood life maketh a man wise accordinor to God,^ and giveth him experience in many things.^ The more humble a man is in himself, and the more subject unto God, the more wise and peaceful shall he be in all things. ^ Prov. xvii. 9. ■* Prov. XV. 33. - Prov. xii. 15. ^ Eccles. i. 16. CHAPTER Y Of Reading the Holy Scriptures. RUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought for in Holy Scripture. Each part of the Scripture is to be read with the same Spirit wherewith it was written.^ We should rather search after proht in the Scriptures, than after subtle arguments. We ought to read plain and devout books as willingly as those high and profound. Let not the authority of the writer be a stumbling-block, whether he be of great or small learning ; but let the love of pure truth draw thee to read. 2 Enquire not who spoke this or that, but mark what is spoken. ' Rom. XV. 4. - I Cor. ii. 4. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 15 2. Men pass away, but the truth uf the Lord remaineth for ever,^ God speaks unto us in sundry ways without respect of persons. - Our own curiosity often hindereth us in reading of the Scriptures, when we will examine and discuss that which we should rather pass over without more ado. If thou desire to profit, read with humility, simplicity, and faithfulness ; nor ever desire the repute of learning. Enquire willingly, and hear with silence the words of holy men. Let not the parables of the Elders displease thee, for they are not given without cause. ^ ^ Psalm cxvii. 2 ; Luke xxi. 33. ^ Rom. ii. 11 ; x. 12 ; Col. iii. n. ■' Prov. i. 6 ; Eccles. xii. 9. CHAPTER VI. Of Iitordinato Affections. HENSOEVER a man deslreth any thing inordinately, he be- cometh presently disquieted in himself. The proud and covetous can never rest. The poor and humble in spirit dwell in the multitude of peace. The man that is not yet perfectl)- dead to himself, is quickly tempted and overcome in small and trifling things. The weak in spirit, and he that is yet in a manner carnal and prone to the things of sense, can hardly withdraw himself altogether from earthly desires : And therefore he is often afflicted when he goeth about to withdraw himself from them ; and is easily angered when any opposeth him. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 17 2. And if he hath followed his appetite, he is presently disquieted with remorse of conscience ; for that he hath yielded to his passion, which profiteth him nothing to the obtaining of the peace which he sought. True quietness of heart therefore is gotten by resisting our passions, not by obeying them. There is then no peace in the heart of a carnal man, nor in him that is given to outward things, but in the spiritual and devout man. CHAPTER VII. Of avoiding vain Hope and Pride. E is vain that putteth his trust in man/ or in creatures. Be not ashamed to serve others for the love of Jesus Christ ; nor to be esteemed poor in this world. Presume not upon thyself, but place thy hope in God.- Do what lieth in thy power and God will assist thy good will. Trust not in thine own knowledge,'^ nor in the skill of any living creature ; but rather in the grace of God, who helpeth the humble, and humbleth those that are proud. 2. Glory not in wealth if thou have it, nor in friends because they are powerful ; but in God who giveth all things, and who desireth to give thee Himself above all things. ' Jcr. xvii. 5. - Psalm xxxi. i . Jcr. ix. 23. IMITA TION OF CHRIST. ^9 Esteem not thyself for the height of thy stature nor for the beauty of thy person, which may be disfigured and destroyed by a little sickness. Please not thyself in thy natural gifts or wit, lest thereby thou displease God, to whom apper- taineth all the good whatsoever thou hast by nature. 3. Esteem not thyself better than others,^ lest perhaps in the sight of God, who knoweth what is in man, thou be accounted worse than they. Be not proud of well-doing ;2 for the judgment of God is far different from the judgment of men, and that often offendeth -Him which pleaseth them. If there be any good in thee, believe that there is much more in others, that so thou mayest preserve humility. It hurteth thee not to submit to all men : but it hurteth thee most of all to prefer thyself even to one. The humble enjoy continual peace, but in the heart of the proud is envy, and frequent indignation. ' Exod. iii. ir. 2 Jq]-, j^ ^q C 2 CHAPTER VIII. TJiat too much Familial i(y is to be sJiunncd. AY not thy heart open to every one ; but treat of thy affairs with the wise, and such as fear God.^ Converse not much with the young, nor with strangers.^ Matter not the rich : neither do thou appear willingly before the great. Keep company with the humble and single- hearted, with the devout and virtuous ; and confer with them of those things that may edify. Be not familiar with any woman ; but commend all crood women in creneral to God. Desire to be familiar with God alone and His Angels, and avoid the acquaintance of men. ' Kcclcs. viii. 12. - Prov. V. 10. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 2. We must have love towards all, but familiarity with all is not expedient. Sometimes it falleth out, that a person un- known to us is much esteemed of, from the crood report <^iven him by others ; whose presence notwithstanding is not grateful to the eyes of those who see him. We think sometimes to please others by our society, and we rather displease them with those bad qualities which they discover in us. CHAPTER IX. Of Obedience and Subjection. T is a great matter to live in obedience, to be under a supe- rior and not to be at our own disposing. It is much safer to obey than to oovern. Many hve under obedience, rather for necessity than for love ; such are discontented, and do easily repine. Neither can they attain to freedom of mind, unless they willingly and heartily put themselves under obedience for the love of God. Go whither thou wilt, thou shalt find no rest but in humble subjection under the government of a superior. Many have deceived themselves, imagining to find happiness in change. 2. True it is, that every one willingly doeth l.\riTATION OF CHRIST. 23 that which agreeth with his own hking, and incHneth most to those that are of his own mind. But if God be amongst us, we must sometimes cease for the sake of peace to adhere to our own opinion. Who is so wise that he can fully know all things ? Be not therefore too confident in thine own opinion ; but be willing to hear the judgment of others. If thy thought be good, and yet thou partest with it for God, and followest the opinion of another, this shall turn to thy good. 3. I have often heard, that it is safer to hear and to take counsel, than to give it. It may also fall out, that a man's opinion may be good ; but to refuse to yield to others when reason or a special cause requireth it, is a mark of pride and stiffness. CHAPTER X. Of avoiding uiany words. \ LY the tumult of the world as much as thou canst ; ^ for the treating of worldly affairs is a great hindrance, although it be done with sincere intention ; For we are quickly defiled, and enthralled by vanity. Oftentimes I could wish that I had held my peace when I have spoken ; and that I had not been in company. Why do we so willingly speak and talk one with another, when notwithstanding we seldom cease our converse before we have hurt our conscience ? "^ The cause why we so willingly talk, is for that l)y discoursing one with another we seek to ' Malt. iv. 1 ; xiv. 23 ; John \i. 13. - M.ill. vii. 1 ; I\oin. ii. i. IMITATION OF CHRIST. receive comfort one of another, and desire to ease our mind wearied with many thoughts : And we very wilHngly talk and think of those things which we most love or desire ; or of those thinofs which we feel to be as^ainst us : 2. But alas, oftentimes in vain, and to no end ; for this outward comfort is the cause of no small loss of inward and divine consolation. Therefore we must watch and pray, lest our time pass away idly. If it be lawful and expedient for thee to speak, speak those things that may edify. Evil habit and neglect of our own growth in grace do give too much liberty to inconsiderate speech. Yet discourse of spiritual things doth greatly further our spiritual growth, especially when persons of one mind and spirit associate together in God.^ ' Acts i. 14 ; Kom. xv. 5, 6. CHAPTER XI. Of the obtaining of Peace, and of zealous desire for groiL't/i in Grace. E might enjoy much peace, if we would not busy ourselves with the words and deeds of other men, and things which apper- tain nothinof with to our chartre. How can he abide long in peace who thrusteth himself into the cares of others, who seeketh occasions abroad, who little or seldom cometh to himself ? Blessed are the single-hearted ; for the)- shall enjoy much peace. 2. Why were some of the Saints so perfect and contemplative ? Because they laboured to mortify themselves wholly to all earthly desires ; and therefore they could Avith their whole heart fix themselves upon God, and he free for holy retirement. IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. 27 We are too much led by our passions, and too solicitous for transitory things. We also seldom overcome any one vice per- fectly, and are not intiamed with a fervent desire to grow better every day ; and therefore we remain cold and lukewarm. 3. If w^e were perfectly intent upon our own hearts, and not entanp-led with outward thing^s, then should we be able to relish divine things, and to have some experience of heavenly con- templation. The greatest, and indeed the whole impediment is, that we are not free from passions and lusts, neither do we endeavour to walk in the perfect way of the Saints ; and when but a small adversity befalleth us, we are too quickly dejected, and turn ourselves to human consolations. 4. If we would endeavour like brave men to stand in the battle, surely we should feel the assistance of God from Heaven. For He who giveth us occasion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, is ready to succour those that fight, and that trust in His grace. If we esteem our progress in religious life to consist only in some outward observances, our devotion will quickly be at an end. But let us lay the axe to the root, that being freed from passions, we may find rest to our souls. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 5. Jf every year we would root out one vice, we should sooner become perfect men. But now oftentimes we perceive, on the con- trary, that we were better and purer at the beginning of our conversion, than after many years of our profession. Our fervour and profiting should increase daily : but now it is accounted a great matter, if a man can retain but some part of his first zeal. If we would do but a little violence to ourselves at the beginning, then should we be able to perform all things afterwards with ease and deliofht. 6. It is a hard matter to fiorego that to which we are accustomed, but it is harder to go against our own will. But if thou dost not overcome small and easy things, when wilt thou overcome harder things ? Resist thy inclination in the very beginning, and unlearn evil habits, lest perhaps by little and little they draw thee to greater difficulty. O if thou didst but consider how much inward peace unto thyself, and joy unto others, thou wouldest procure by demeaning thyself well, I think that thou wouldest be more careful of thy spiritual progress. CHAPTER XII. Of the Profit of Adversity. T is eood that we have sometimes some troubles and crosses ; for they often make a man enter into himself, and consider that he is here in banishment, and ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing. It is sfood that we be sometimes contradicted, and that men think ill or inadequately ; and this, although we do and intend well. These things help often to the attaining of liumility, and defend us from vain glory : for then we are more inclined to seek God for our inward witness, when outwardly we be contemned by men, and when there is no credit given unto us. 2. And therefore a man should settle himself so fully in God, that he need not to seek many comforts of men. 30 IMITATION OF CI/RTsT. When a good man is afflicted, tempted, or troubled with evil thoughts ; then he under- standeth better the great need he hath of God, without whom he perceiveth he can do nothing that is good. Then also he sorroweth, lamenteth, and prayeth, by reason of the miseries he suffereth. Then he is weary of living" longer, and wisheth that death would come, that he might depart and be with Christ. Then also he well perceiveth, that perfect security and full peace cannot be had in this world. CHAPTER XIII. Of resisting Tciiiptatiou. O long as we live in this world we cannot be without tribu- lation and temptation. Hence it is written in Job, " The life of man upon earth is a life of temptation." Every one therefore ought to be careful about his temptations, and to watch in prayer, lest the devil find an advantage to deceive him ; for he never sleepeth, but goeth about seeking whom he may devour. No man is so perfect and holy but he hath sometimes temptations, and we cannot be al- together without them. 2. Nevertheless temptations are often very profitable to us, though they be troublesome and grievous ; for in them a man is luunl)U;d, jjurified, and instructed. 32 IMITATWX OF CHRIST. All the Saints passed through man's tribulations and temptations, and profited thereby. And they that could not bear temptations, became reprobate, and fell away. There is no order so holy, nor place so secret, as that there be not temptations, or adversities in it. 3. There is no man that is altogether free from temptations whilst he liveth on earth : for the root thereof is in ourselves, who are born with in- clination to evil. When one temptation or tribulation goeth away, another cometh ; and we shall ever have something to suffer, because we are fallen from the state of our felicity. Many seek to fly temptations, and fall more grievously into them. By flight alone we cannot overcome, but by patience and true humility we become stronger than all our enemies, 4. He that only avoideth them outwardly, and doth not pluck them up by the roots, shall profit little ; yea, temptations will the sooner return unto him, and will be more violent than before. By little and little, and by patience with long- suffering through God's help, thou shalt more easily overcome, than by violence and thine own disquietude. Often take counsel in temptations, and deal not IMITA TIOX OF CHRIST. 33 roughly with him that is tempted ; but give him comfort, as thou wouldest wish to be done to thyself. 5. The beginning of all evil temptations is inconstancy of mind, and small confidence in God. For as a ship without a helm is tossed to and fro by the waves ; so the man who is careless and forsaketh his purpose, is many ways tempted. Fire trieth iron, and temptation a just man. We know not oftentimes what we are able to do, but temptation shews us what we are. Yet we must be watchful, especially in the beginning of the temptation ; for the enemy is then more easily overcome, if he be not suffered to enter the door of our hearts, but be resisted at the very gate, on his first knocking. Wherefore one said, " Withstand the begin- nings ; the remedy is applied too late, when the evil has grown strong through long delay." ^ For first there cometh to the mind a bare thought of evil, then a strong imagination thereof, afterwards delight, and evil motion, and then consent. And so by litde and little our wicked enemy getteth complete entrance, for that he is not resisted in the beginning. And the longer a man is negligent in resisting, Ovid. Lib. xiii. dc Remcd. Am. 34 IMITATION OF CHRIST. the weaker does he become daily in himself, and the stronger the enemy against him. 6. Some suffer great temptations in the be- ginning of their conversion ; others in the latter end. Others again are much troubled almost through the whole of their life. Some are but slightly tempted, according to the wisdom and equity of the Divine appointment, which weigheth the states and deserts of men, and ordaineth all thino-s for the welfare of His own chosen ones. 7. We ought not therefore to despair when we are tempted, but so much the more fervently to pray unto God, that He will vouchsafe to help us in all tribulations ; for He will surely, according to the words of St. Paul, make with the temp- tation a way to escape, that we may be able to bear it.^ Let us therefore humble our souls under the hand of God in all temptations and tribulations, for He will save and exalt the humble in spirit. 8. In temptations and afflictions a man is proved, how much he hath profited ; and his reward is thereby the greater, and his graces do more eminently shine forth. Neither is it any such great thing if a man be ' I Cor. X. 13. IMITATION Of CHRIST. 35 devout and fervent, when he feeleth no affliction ; but if in time of adversity he bear himself patiently, there is hope then of great growth in grace. Some are kept from great temptations, and in small ones which do daily occur are often over- come ; to the end that, being humbled, they may never presume on themselves in great matters, while they are worsted in so small things. D 2 CHAPTER XIV. Of avoiding rash Jtidgiiicut. URN thine eyes unto thyself, and beware thou judge not the deeds of other men. ^ In judg- ing of others a man laboureth in vain.'loften erreth, and easily -3:_i^£i^3^^ sinneth ; - but in judging and examining himself, he always laboureth fruitfully. We often judge of things according as we fancy them ; for private affection bereaves us easily of a right judgment. If God were always the pure object of our desire, we should not be so easily troubled, through the repugnance of our carnal mind. 2. But oftentimes something lurketh within, or else occurreth from without, which draweth us after it. Malt. \ ii. I ; Rom. xv. i. * Eccles. iii. i6. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 37 Many secretly seek themselves in what they do, and know it not. They seem also to live in good peace of mind, when thinofs are done accordiner to their will and opinion ; but if things happen otherwise than they desire, they are straightway moved and much vexed. The diversities of judgments and opinions cause oftentimes dissensions between friends and countrymen, between religious and devout persons.^ 3. An old custom is hardly broken/- and no man is willing to be led farther than himself can see. If thou dost more rely upon thine own reason or industry, than upon that power which brings thee under the obedience of Jesus Christ, it will be long before thou become illuminated ; for God will have us perfectly subject unto Him, that, being inflamed with His love, we may transcend the narrow liniits of human reason. Matt. xii. 25 ; Luke xii. 51. - Jer. xiii. 23 CHAPTER X\' Of ivorks done out of Cliarity. OR 110 worldly thin^, nor for the love of any man, is any evil to l)e done ; ^ but, yet, for the welfare of one that standeth in need, a good work is some- times to be intermitted without any scruple, or even to be changed for a better. For by doing this, a good work is not lost, but changed into a better. Without charity the outward work profiteth nothing ; - but whatsoever is done of charity, be it never so little and contemptible in the sight of the world, it becomes wholly fruitful. For God weigheth more with how much love a man worketh, than how much he doeth. He doeth much that lovcth much. ' Matt, xviii. 8. - i Cor. xiii. 3 : Luke vii. 47. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 39 2, He doeth much that doeth a thine well. He doeth well that rather serveth the common weal than his own will.^ Oftentimes a work seemeth to be of charity, and it is rather a work of the flesh ; because natural inclination, self-will, hope of reward, and desire of our own interest, are motives seldom absent. 3. He that hath true and perfect charity, seeketh himself in nothing : ^ but only desireth in all things that the glory of God should be exalted. He also envieth none, because he seeketh no private good ; neither doth he will to rejoice in himself, but wisheth above all things to be made happy in the enjoyment of God.'^ He attributeth nothing that is good to any man, but wholly referreth it unto God, from whom as from their fountain all things proceed ; in whom finally all the Saints do rest as in their highest fruition. If a man had but one spark of true charity, he would certainly discern that all earthly things are full of vanity. ^ Phil. ii. 17. - Phil. ii. 21 ; i Cor. xiii. 5. •* Psalm xvii. 15 ; xxiv. 6. CHAPTER XVI. Of beai-iiig idt// the Faults of others. HOSE things that a man cannot amend in himself or in others, he ought to sufifer patiently, until God order them other- wise. Think that perhaps it is better so for thy trial and patience, without which all our'good deeds are not much to be esteemed. Thou oughtest to pray notwithstanding, when thou hast such impediments, that God would vouchsafe to help thee, and that thou mayest bear them rightly.^ 2. If one that is once or twice warned will not give over, contend not with him : but commit all to God, that His will may be done,^ and His ' .Malt. \i. I 1 : I.ukc \i. 4. ^ Mall. \i. 10. I Ml TA TION OF CHRIS T. 4 1 name honoured in all His servants, who well knoweth how to turn evil into good. Endeavour to be patient in bearing with the defects and infirmities of others, of what sort soever they be : for that thyself also hast many failings which must be borne with by others.^ If thou canst not make thyself such an one as thou wouldest, how canst thou expect to have another in all things to thy liking ? We would willingly have others perfect, and \et we amend not our own faults. 3. We will have others severely corrected, and will not be corrected ourselves. The large liberty of others displeaseth us ; and yet we will not have our own desires denied us. We will have others kept under by strict laws ; but in no sort will ourselves be restrained. And thus it appeareth, how seldom we weigh our neighbour in the same balance with our- selves. If all men were perfect, what should we have to suffer of our neighbour for the sake of God ? 4. But now God hath thus ordered it, that we may learn to bear one another's burdens ; - for no man is without fault ; no man but hath his burden ; no man is sufficient of himself; no man is wise enough of himself ; but we ought to bear with one ' 1 Thcss. V. 14; (ial. vi. i. - (l.il. vi. 2. IMITATION OF CHRIST. another, comfort one another, help, instruct, and aehnonish one another.^ Occasions of adversity best discover how great virtue or strength each one hath. For occasions do not make a man frail, but they sliew what he is. ' Thess. V. 14 ; 1 Cor. xii. 25. CHAPTER XVII. Of Life in a Religions Conivntuity. HOU must learn to break thine own will in many things if thou wilt have peace and concord with others.^ It is no small matter to dwell in a religious community, or monastery, to hold thy place there without giving offence, and to continue faithful even unto death. 2 Blessed is he that hath there lived well, and ended happily. If thou wilt stand firm and grow as thou oughtest, esteem thyself as a pilgrim and stranger upon earth. ^ Thou must be contented for Christ's sake to be esteemed as a fool in this world, if thou desire to lead the life of a monk. ' Gal. vi. I. - Luke xvi. lo. I Pet. ii. 1 1. 44 IMITATION OF CHRIST. 2. Dress and tonsure profit little ; but change of heart and perfect mortification of the passions make a true monk. • He that seeketh any thing else but merely God, and the salvation of his soul, shall find nothing but tribulation and sorrows.^ Neither can he remain long in peace, that laboureth not to be the least, and subject unto all. 3. Thou camest to serve, not to rule.- Know that thou wast called to suffer and to labour, and not to be idle, nor to spend thy time in talk. Here therefore men are proved as gold in the furnace. Here no man can stand, unless he humble himself with his whole heart for the love of God. ' Eccles. i. 17, 18 ; Eccliis. i. 18. - JMalt. XX. 26. _F^T---ANTlQV^VM— DQCVMEN-TV;/^--NOVO -C£DA:r--B^I-TVI-o-/. P R/tST E T - Fre£5,^SV4^P.t; E-/^t fN T^/yr-S E N S V V « ^:D E f £ CTV I CHAPTER XVIII. Of tJic Examples of the Holy Fathers. ONSIDER the lively examples of the holy Fathers, in whom true perfection and Religion shone ; ^ and thou shalt see how little it is, and almost nothing, which we do now in these days. Alas ! what is our life, if we be compared to them ! The Saints and friends of Christ served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labour and weariness, in watchings and fastings, in prayer and holy meditations, in many perse- cutions and reproaches. 2. O how many and grievous tribulations suffered the Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, Ilcb. xi. 46 IMITATION OF CHRIST. and all the rest that endeavoured to follow the steps of Christ ! For they hated their lives in this world, that they might keep them unto life eternal.^ O how strict and self-renouncing a life led those holy Fathers in the wilderness ! '^ How long and grievous temptations suffered they ! How often were they assaulted by the enemy ! What frequent and fervent prayers offered they to God ! What rigorous abstinences did they use ! How great zeal and care had they of their spiritual advancement ! How strong a combat had they for the overcoming of their lusts ! What pure and upright intentions kept they towards God ! In the day they laboured, and in the night they attended to continual prayer : although even while they laboured, they never ceased from mental prayer. 3. They spent all their time with profit ; every hour seemed but short for the service of God. And by reason of the great sweetness they felt in contemplation, they forgot the necessity of refreshment for the body. They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends, and kinsfolk ; ^ they desired to have nothing which appertained to the world ; they scarce took the necessaries of life ; they grudged even the necessary care of the body. ' jolin xii. 25. ' Matt. vii. 14. ^ Matt. xi.\. 29. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 47 Therefore they were poor in' earthly things, but very rich in grace and virtues. Outwardly they were destitute, but inwardly they were refreshed with grace and divine con- solation. 4. They were strangers to the world, but near and familiar friends to God.^ They seemed to themselves as nothing, and to this present world despicable ; but were precious and beloved in the eyes of God. They were grounded in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in love and patience : and therefore they grew daily in the Spirit, and obtained great grace in God's sio^ht. They were given for an example to all Religious persons ; ^ and they should more pro- voke us to endeavour after spiritual advancement, than the number of the lukewarm livers should prevail to make us remiss. 5. O how great was the fervour of all Religious persons in the beginning of their holy institution ! How great was their devotion to prayer ! What ambition to excel others in virtue ! What exact discipline then flourished! How great reverence and obedience, under the rule of their superiors, observed they in all things ! ^ James iv. 4. " Used here to signify persons living under a monastic rule. T Mir AT ION OF CHRIST. Their footsteps yet remaining testify that they were indeed holy and perfect men ; who fighting so valiantly trod the world under their feet. Among us he is greatly accounted of, who is not a transgressor, and who can with patience endure that which he hath received. 6. O the lukewarmness and negligence of our times ! that we so quickly decline from the ancient fervour, and are come to that pass, that very sloth and lukewarmness of spirit make our life tedious unto us. Would to God the desire to grow in virtues did not wholly sleep in thee, who hast often seen the many examples of Religious persons ! CHAPTER XIX. Of tJic Exercises of a good Religious Person. HE life of a ctoocI Religious person ought to excel in all virtues ; ^ that he may inwardly be such as outwardly he seem- eth to men. And rightly there ought to be much more within, than is perceived without. For God beholdeth us ; ^ whom we are bound most highly to reverence wheresoever we are, and to walk in purity"' like anofels in His siorht. Daily ought we to renew our purposes, and to stir up ourselves to greater fervour, as though this were the first day of our conversion ; and to sa)-, ' Matt. V. 48. - Psalm xxxiii. 13; Hcb. iv. 12, 13. ^ Psalm XV. E 50 IMITATION OF CHRIST. '• Help me, my God ! in this my good purpose, and in Thy holy service ; and grant that I may now this day begin perfectly ; for that which I have done hitherto is as nothing-." 2. According to our purpose shall be the success of our spiritual profiting ; and much dili- gence is necessary to him that will profit much. And if he that firmly purposeth often faileth, what shall he do that seldom or but weakly purposeth any thing ? Yet in various ways it happens that we forsake our purpose, and a slight omission of our spiritual exercises is not without loss to our souls. The purpose of just men depends not upon their own wisdom, but upon God's grace ; on whom they always rely for whatsoever they take in hand. For man proposes, but God disposes ; ^ neither is the way of man in himself. 3. If an accustomed exercise be sometimes omitted, either for some act of piety, or profit to our brother, it may easily afterwards be recovered again : Rut if, out of weariness or carelessness, we lightly omit it, it is very blameworthy, and will be felt to be hurtful. Do the best we can, we shall still too easily fail in many things.- Yet must we always have some fixed purpose, ' I'rov. xvi. 9. - Eccles. vii. 20. IMITATION OF CHRIST. and especially against those sins which do most of all hinder us. We must diligently search into, and set in order, both our outward and inward things, because both of them are of importance to our progress in godliness. 4. If thou canst not continually collect thyself, yet do it sometimes, at the least twice a day, namely, in the morning and at night. In the morning fix thy good purpose ; and at night examine thyself what thou hast done, how thou hast behaved thyself in word, deed, and thought ; ^ for in these perhaps thou hast often- times offended both God and thy neighbour. Gird up thy loins like a man against the vile assaults of the devil ; bridle thy riotous appetite, and thou shalt be the better able to keep under all the unruly motions of the flesh. Never be entirely idle ; but either be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or endea- vouring something for the public good. As for bodily exercises, they must be used with discretion, neither are they to be practised of all men alike. 5. Those devotions which belong not to the community ought not to be exposed to public view ; for private devotions are practised most safely in secret. J Deal. iv. E 2 52 IMITATION OF CHRIST. Nevertheless thou must beware thou neglect not those which are public, being more ready for what is private. But having fully and faithfully accomplished all which thou art bound and en- joined to do, if thou hast any spare time, betake thee to thyself, as thy devotion calleth thee. All cannot use one kind of spiritual exercise- but one is more useful for this person, another for that. According to the seasonableness of times also, divers exercises are fitting; some suit better with us on working days, others on holy days. In the time of temptation, we have need of some, and of others in time of peace and quiet- ness. Some suit us when we are pensive, and others when we rejoice in the Lord. 6. About the time of the chief festivals, good exercises are to be renewed, and the prayers of godly saints more fervently to be implored. From festival to festival we should purpose, as though we were then to depart out of this world and to come to the everlasting festival. Therefore ought we carefully to prepare our- selves at holy times, and to live more devoutly, and to keep more exactly all things that we are to observe, as though we were shortly at God's hands to receive the reward of our labours. 7. But if that reward be deferred, let us think IMITATION OF CHRIST. 53 with ourselves that we are not sufficiently pre- pared, and unworthy yet of so great glory which shall be revealed in us ^ in due time ; and let us endeavour to prepare ourselves better for our departure. " Blessed is that servant (saith the Evangelist St. Luke) whom his Lord when He cometh shall find watching : Verily, I say unto you, He shall make him ruler over all His goods." - ' Rom. viii. i8. Luke xii. 43. 44 ; Matt. xxiv. 46, 47. CHAPTER XX. Of the Love of Solitude and Sileiiee. EEK a convenient time ^ of lei- sure for thyself, and meditate often upon God's loving-kind- ness. Meddle not with things too high for thee ; but read such things as may rather yield compunction to thy heart than occupation to thy head. If thou wilt withdraw thyself from speaking vainly, and from gadding idly, as also from hearkening after novelties and rumours, thou shalt find leisure enough and suitable for meditation on eood thino-s. The greatest Saints avoided the society of men,- when they could conveniently ; and did rather choose to live to God in secret. ' Ecclcs. iii. I. Hcb. xi. 3.S. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 55 2. One said, " As oft as I have been among men, I returned home less a man than I was before." ^ And this Ave tind true, when we talk lono- together. It is easier not to speak at all, than not to exceed in speech. It is easier for a man to lie hid at home, than to be able sufficiently to watch over himself abroad. He therefore that intends to attain to the more inward and spiritual things of religion, must with Jesus depart from the multitude and press of people ! - No man doth safely appear abroad, but he who can abide at home. No man doth safely speak, but he that is glad to hold his peace. "^ No man doth safely rule, but he that is glad to be ruled. No man doth safely rule, but he that hath learned gladly to obey. 3. No man rejoiceth safely, iniless he hath within him the testimony of a good conscience. And yet always the security of the Saints was full of the fear of God. Neither were they the less anxious and humble in themselves, for that they shone outwardly with grace and great virtues. ' Seneca, J'.p. \ii. " I\Ialt. \. i. •'' Kcclcb. ii. 7. 56 IMI TA TIOX OF CHRIST. But the security of bad men ariseth from pride and presumption, and in the end it deceiveth them. Althouofh thou seem to be a crood reHffious person, or a devout soHtar)-, yet never promise th)self security in this hfe. 4. Oftentimes those who have been in the greatest esteem and account amongst men, have fallen into the greatest danger, by overmuch self- contidence. Wherefore to many it is more profitable not to be altogether free from temptations, but to be often assaulted, lest they should feel too safe, and so perhaps be puft'ed up with pride ; or else should too freely give themselves to worldly comforts. O how good a conscience would he keep, that would never seek after transitory joy, nor ever entangle himself with the world ! O what great peace and quietness would he possess, that would cut off all vain anxiety, and think only upon divine things, and such as are profitable for his soul, and would place all his confidence in God. 5. No man is worthy of heavenly comfort, unless he have diligently exercised himself in holy compunction. If thou desirest true contrition of heart, enter into thy secret chamber, and shut out the tumults of the world, as it is written, " Commune with IMITATION OF CHRIST. 57 your own heart, and in your chamber, and be still." ^ In thy chamber thou shalt find what abroad thou shalt too often lose. The more thou visitest thy chamber, the more thou wilt enjoy it ; the less thou comest thereunto, the more thou wilt loathe it. If in the beginning of thy conversion thou art content to remain in it, and keep to it well, it will afterwards be to thee a dear friend, and a most pleasant comfort. 6. In silence and in stillness a religious soul advantageth itself, and learneth the mysteries of Holy Scripture. There it findeth rivers of tears, wherein it may every night '^- wash and cleanse itself ; that it may be so much the more familiar with its Creator, by how much the farther off it liveth from all worldly disquiet. Whoso therefore withdraweth himself from his acquaintance and friends, God will draw near unto him with His holy angels. It is better for a man to live privately, and to have regard to himself, tlian to neglect his soul, though he could work wonders in the world. It is commendable in a religious person, seldom to go abroad, to be unwilling to see or to be seen. 7. Why art thou desirous to see that which it ' I'^.ilm i\. ,|. ^ I'saliii vi. 6. IMITA T/OX OF CHRIST. is unlawful for thee to have ? The world passeth away and the lust thereof. The lusts of the flesh draw us to rove abroad ; but when the time is past, what carriest thou home with thee but a burdened conscience and a distracted heart ? A merry going forth bringeth often a mournful return ; and a joyful night maketh often a sad morning.^ So all carnal joy enters gently, but in the end it bites and stings to death. What canst thou see elsewhere, which thou canst not see here ? - Behold the heaven and the earth and all the elements ; for of these are all thincrs created. 8. What canst thou see anywhere that can long continue under the sun ? Thou thinkest perchance to satisfy thyself, but thou canst never attain it. Couldst thou see all things present before thine eyes, what were it but a vain sight ? "^ Lift up thine eyes ^ to God in the highest, and pray Him to pardon thy sins and negli- o-ences. Leave vain thini^s to the vain ; but be thou intent upon those things which God hath com- manded thee. ' Pro\. xiv. 13. - Eccles. i. 10. ' Eccles. iii. 11. ^ Psalm cwi. i. IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. 59 Shut thy door upon thee,^ and call unto thee Jesus, thy Beloved. Stay with Him in thy closet ; for thou shalt not find so great peace anywhere else. If thou hadst not gone abroad and hearkened to idle rumours, thou w^ouldst the better have preserved a happy peace of mind. But since thou delightest sometimes to hear new things, it is but fit thou suffer for it some disquietude of heart. ^ MaU. vi. 6. CHAPTER XXI. Of CouipiDtctioii of Heart. F thou wilt make any progress in godliness, keep thyself in the fear of GocU and affect not too much liberty. Restrain all thy senses under discipline, and give not thyself over to foolish mirth. Give thyself to compunction of heart, and thou shalt gain much devotion thereby. Compunction layeth open much good, which dissoluteness is went quickly to destroy. It is a wonder that an)' man can ever perfectly rejoice in this life if lie dul)- consider, and thoroughly weigh his state of banishment, and the many perils wherewith his soul is cn\- ironed. 2. Through levity of heart, and small care for Prov. xix. 23. IMITATION OF CHRIST. .61 our failings, we feel not the real sorrows of our souls ; and so oftentimes we vainly laugh, when we have just cause to weep. There is no true liberty nor right joy but in the fear of God accompanied with a good conscience. Happy is he, who can cast off all distracting impediments, and bring himself to the one single purpose of holy compunction, Happy is he, who can abandon all that may defile his conscience or burden it. Contend manfully ; one habit overcometh another. If thou canst let others alone in their matters, they likewise will not hinder thee in thine. 3. Busy not thyself in matters which appertain to others, neither do thou entangle thyself with the affairs of thy betters. Still have an eye to thyself first, and be sure more especially to admonish thyself before all th)- friends. If thou hast not the favour of men, be not grieved at it ; ^ but take this to heart, that thou dost not behave thyself so warily and circum- spectly as it becometh the servant of God, and a devout reliofious man. It is better oftentimes and safer that a man should not have many consolations in this life,- especially such as are according to the fiesh. 1 (ial. i. 10. - I'salm Ix.wi. 5. 62 I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. But that we have not divine consolations at all, or do very seldom taste them, the fault is ours, because we seek not after compunction of heart, nor do altogether forsake the vaiii and outward comforts of this world. 4. Know that thou art unworthy of divine consolation, and that thou hast rather deserved much tribulation. When a man hath perfect compunction, then is the whole world grievous and bitter unto him.^ A good man findeth always sufficient cause for mourning and weeping. For whether he consider his own or his neigh- bour's estate, he knoweth that none liveth here without tribulation. And the more narrowly a man looketh into himself, so much the more he sorroweth. Our sins and wickednesses wherein we lie so enwrapt, that we can seldom apply ourselves to heavenly contemplations, do minister unto us matter of just sorrow and inward compunction. 5. Didst thou oftener think of thy death - than of length of life, there is no question but thou wouldst be more zealous to amend. If also thou didst but consider within thyself the infernal pains in the other world, -^ I believe thou wouldst willingly undergo any labour or ' Judges ii. 4 ; xx. 26 ; 2 Kings xiii. - Eccles. vii. 1,2. " .Matt. xxv. 41. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 63 sorrow in this world, and not be afraid of the greatest austerity. But because these things enter not the heart, and we still love those things only that delight us, therefore it is we remain cold and very dull in religion. 6. It is often our want of spirituality which maketh our miserable body so easily to complain. Pray therefore unto the Lord with all humility, that He will vouchsafe to give thee the spirit of compunction. And say with the Prophet, " Feed me, O Lord, with the bread of tears, and give me plenteousness of tears to drink." ^ ^ Psalm Ixxx. 5. CHAPTER XXII. Of the Consideration of Hnuian Misery ISERABLE thou art, whereso- ever thou be, or whithersoever thou turnest, unless thou turn thyself unto God. W hy art thou troubled when thin OS succeed not as thou wouldst or desirest 'i Eor who is he that hath all thinors accordincj to his mind ? ^ Neither I nor thou, nor any man upon earth. There is none in this world, even though he be king or bishop, without some tribulation or perplexity. Who is then in the best case '^ Even he who is able to suffer something for God. 2. Many weak and infirm persons say, Behold ! what a happy life such an one leads ; - how ' Eccles. vi. 2. 2 Luke xii. 19. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 65 wealthy, how great he is, in what power and dignity ! But lift up thine eyes to the riches of Heaven, and thou shalt see that all the goods of this life are nothing to be accounted of. They are very uncertain, and rather burdensome than otherwise, because they are never possessed without anxiety and fear. Man's happiness consisteth not in having abun- dance of temporal goods, ^ but a moderate portion is sufficient for him. Truly it is misery even to live upon the earth. - The more spiritual a man desires to be, the more bitter does this present life become to him ; because he sees more clearly and perceives more sensibly the defects of human corruption. For to eat and to drink, to sleep and to watch, to labour and to rest, and to be subject to other necessities of nature, is doubtless a great misery and affliction to a religious man, who would gladly be set loose, and freed from all sin. 3. For the inward man is much weighed down in this world by the needs of the body. Therefore the Prophet prayeth with great devotion to be enabled to be free from them, saying, " Bring thou me out of my distresses." ^ But woe be to them that know not their own ' I'rov. .\i.\. I. ■ Jol) \iv. i ; I'.cclcs. ii. 17. ^ I\alm \x\. 17. 66 IMITATION OF CHRIST. misery ; and a greater woe to them that love this miserable and corruptible life ! ^ For some there be who so much doat upon it, that although by labour or by begging they can scarce get mere necessaries, yet if they might be able to live here always, they would care nothing at all for the kingdom of God. 4. O how senseless are these men and un- believing in heart, who lie so deeply sunk in the earth, that they can relish nothing but carnal things ! - But miserable as they are, they shall in the end feel to their cost how vile and how nothing that was which they loved. Whereas the Saints of God and all the devout friends of Christ regardeth not those things which pleased the flesh, nor those which were in repute in this life, but longed after the everlasting riches^ with their whole hope and earnest effort. Their whole desire was carried upward to things durable and invisible, that the desire ol thinofs visible miofht not draw them to thingfs below. 5. O my brother, cast not away thy confidence of making progress in godliness ; there is yet time, the hour is not yet past.^ Why wilt thou defer thy good purpose from ' Rom. ^ iii. 22. ^ Rom. \ iii. 5. ■' I IV't. i. 4 ; Hob. \i. 26. ' Isom. \iii. 11 ; Ucb. \. 33. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 67 day to day ? Arise and begin in this very instant, and say, Now is the time to be doing, now is the time to be striving, now is the fit time to amend myself. When thou art ill at ease and much troubled, then is the time of earning thy reward. Thou must pass through fire and water ^ before thou come to a wealthy place. Unless thou doest violence to thyself, thou shalt never get the victory over sin. So long as we carry about us this frail body of ours, we can never be without sin, nor live without weariness and pain. We would gladly have rest from all misery, but seeing that by sin we have lost our innocency, we have together with that lost also the true felicity.^ Therefore it becomes us to have patience, and to wait for the mercy of God, till this tyranny be overpast, and mortality be swallowed up of life.^ 6. O how great is human frailty, which is always prone to evil ! ^ To-day thou confessest thy sins, and to-morrow thou committest the very same which thou hast confessed. Now, thou art purposed to look well unto thy ways, and within a while thou so behavest thyself ' Psalm Ixvi. 12. '^ Rom, vii. 24; Citn. iii. 17. • 2 Cor. V. 4. ^ LJen. \ i. 5 ; viii. 21. 1- 2 68 IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. as thougli thou hadst never any such purpose at all. Good cause have we therefore to humble our- selves,^ and never to have any great conceit of ourselves : since we are so frail and so inconstant. That also may quickly be lost by our own negligence which, by the grace of God, with much labour we have scarce at length obtained, 7. \Miat will become of us in the end, who begin so early to wax lukewarm ? Woe be unto us, if we will so jrive ourselves unto ease as if all were now peace and safety, when as yet there appeareth no sign of true holiness in our conversation ! We have much need like young novices to be newly instructed again to good life, if haply there be some hope of future amendjnent, and greater [)roficienc\' in things spiritual. ' 2 Mac. i\. 1 I. C H A P T E R XXII I. Of Meditation on Death. ERY quickly there will be an end of thee here ; ^ see therefore to thy state : to-da}^ man is ; to- morrow he is ofone. And when he is out of siij^ht quickly also is he out of mind. O the stupidity and hardness of man's heart, which thinketh only upon the present, and doth not rather care for what is to come ! Thou oughtest so to order thyself in all thy thoughts and actions, as if to-day thou wert to die.2 If thou hadst a ofood conscience, thou wouldst not greatly fear death. ^ It were better to avoid sin, than to escape death.* ^ Job ix. 25, 26 ; xiv. 1,2; Luke xii. 20 ; Heb. ix. 27. - Matt. XXV. 13. ;' Luke xii. 37. * VVisd. iv. 16. ^o IMITATION OF CHRIST. If to-day thou art not prepared, how wilt thou be so to-morrow ? ^ To-morrow is uncertain, and how knowest thou that thou shalt hve till to-morrow ? 2. What availeth it to liv^e loncj, when there is so small amendment in us ? Alas ! length of days doth not always better us, but often rather increaseth our sin. O that we had spent but one day in this world thoroughly well ! Many there are who reckon years of conversion ; and yet full slender oftentimes is the fruit of amendment. If to die be accounted dreadful, to live long may perhaps prove more dangerous. Happy is he that always hath the hour of his death before his eyes,^ and daily prepareth himself to die. If at any time thou hast seen another man die, make account that thou must also pass the same way. "^ 3. When it is morning, think that thou mayest die before night ; And when evening comes, dare not to promise thyself the next morning. Be thou therefore always in readiness, and so 1 Matt. xxi\. 44 ; xxv. 10. Eccles. vii. i. ^ Heb. ix. 27. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 71 lead thy life that death may never take thee unprepared.^ Many die suddenly and when they look not tor it ; for the Son of Man will come in an hour when we think not.^ When that last hour shall come, thou wilt begin to have a far different opinion of thy whole life that is past, and be exceeding sorry that thou hast been so careless and remiss. 4. O how wise and happy is he that now laboureth to be such an one in his life, as he will desire to be found at the hour of death ! A perfect contempt of the world, '^ a fervent desire to go forward in all virtue, a love ot discipline, a laborious repentance, a ready obe- dience, a denying of ourselves, and an endurance of any affliction whatsoever for the love of Christ, will give us great confidence that we shall die happily. Whilst thou art in health thou mayest do much good : but when thou art sick, I see not what thou wilt be able to do. Few by sickness grow better and more re- formed ; so also they who wander much abroad seldom thereby become holy. 5. Trust not to friends and kindred, neither do thou put off the care of tin- soul's welfare till J Luke x.\i. 3(). - Matt. wiv. 44; Luke xii. 40. ■ Ilcclus. xii. 1. 72 IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. hereafter ; for men \\\\\ forget thee, sooner than thou art aware of It is better to look to it betime, and to send some good before thee, than to trust to other men's help.^ If thou be not careful for thyself now, who will be careful for thee hereafter ? Time now is very precious : now is the day of salvation ; now is the accepted time. But alas ! that thou shouldst spend time so Idly here, in which thou mightest purchase life eternal. The time will come, when thou shalt desire one day or hour to amend in, and I know not that it will be granted thee. 6. O beloved, from how great danofer micrhtest thou deliver thyself, from how great fear free thyself, if thou \vouldst be ever fearful and mindful of death ! Labour now so to live, that at the hour of death thou mayest rather rejoice than fear. Learn now to die to the world, that thou mayest then begin to live with Christ- Learn now to contemn all things,^ that thou mayest then freely go to Christ. Chastise thy body now by repentance/ that thou mayest then have assured confidence. 7. Ah ! fool, why dost thou think to live long, ^ Isaiah xxx. 5 ; xxxi. i ; Jcr. xvii. 5 ; xlviii. 7 ; Matt. vi. 20. - Rom. vi. 1. •^ Luke xiv. 33. ^ i Cor. ix. 27. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 73 when thou canst not promise to thyself even one day.^ How many have been deceived and suddenly snatched away I How often dost thou hear these reports, Such a man is slain, another man is drowned, a third has broken his neck with a fall from some high place, this man died eating, and that man playing ! One perished by fire, another by the sword, another of the plague, another was slain by thieves. Thus death is the end of all, and man's life suddenly passeth away like a shadow.^ 8. Who shall remember thee when thou art dead ? and who shall pray for thee ? Do now, even now, my beloved, whatsoever thou art able to do ; for thou knowest not when thou shalt die, nor yet what shall befall thee after thy death. Now, whilst thou hast time, heap unto thyself everlasting riches.'^ Think on nothing but the salvation of thy soul, care for nothing but the things of God, Make now friends to thyself by honouring the saints of God, and imitating their actions, that when thou failest, they may receive thee into everlasting habitations.^ 9. Keep thyself as a stranger and pilgrim upon ^ Luke xii. 20. 2 job xiv. 2. ■' Matt. \i. 20 : Luke xii. 33 ; (lal. vi. 8. ' Luke xvi. y ; Hob. xi. 74 I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. the earth, ^ who hath nothing to do with the affairs of this world. Keep thy heart free, and Hfted up to God, because thou hast here no abiding city.^ Send thither thy daily prayers and sighs together with thy tears, that after death thy spirit may be found worthy to pass in felicity to the Lord. Aften. 1 I Pet. ii. II. - Heb. xiii. 14. CHAPTER XXIV. Of 'Judgment, and the Pitnishmoit of Sinners. \W^ l^'3' i^fej N all things look to the end, and see how thou wilt be able to stand before that severe Judge^ from whom nothing is hid, who is not pacified with gifts, nor admitteth any excuses, but will judge according to right. O wretched and foolish sinner, who sometimes fearest the countenance of an angry man, what answer wilt thou make to God, who knoweth all thy wickedness ! - Why dost thou not provide for thyself^ against that great day of judgment, when no man can excuse or answer for another, but every one shall have enough to answer for himself ! Now may thy pains profit, thy tears be accepted,^ 1 Hcb. x. 31. - Job ix. 2. •• 2 Cor. vi. 4. •' Luke xvi. 9. 76 IMITAI'IOX OF CHRIST. thy groans be heard, thy grief may bring thee peace, and purge thy soul. 2. The patient man hath a great and wholesome purgatory,^ who, though he receive injuries, yet Sfrieveth more for the malice of another than for his own suffering ; who prayeth willingly for his adversaries,- and from his heart forgiveth their offences. He delayeth not to ask forgiveness of whomsoever he hath offended ; he is sooner moved to compassion than to anger ; he often offereth violence to himself, and laboureth to bring his body wholly into subjection to the Spirit. It is better to purge out our sins, and cut off our vices here, than to keep them to be punished hereafter. Verily we do but deceive ourselves through an inordinate love of the flesh. 3. What is there that the fire of hell shall feed upon, but thy sins ? The more thou sparest th)'self now and followest the flesh, the more severe hereafter shall be thy punishment, and thou storest up greater fuel for that flame. In what thinofs a man hath sinned, in the same shall he be the more grievously punished. There shall the slothful be pricked forward with burnincr o-oads, and the p-luttons be tormented with extreme hunger and thirst. ' James i. 4. - Luke xxiii. 34 : Acts vii. 60. IMITATION OF CTIIUST. 77 There shall the luxurious and lovers of pleasure be bathed in burning pitch and stinking brimstone, and the envious, like mad dogs, shall howl for very grief 4. There is no sin but shall have its own proper torment. There the proud shall be filled with all con- fusion ; the covetous shall be pinched with miserable penury. One hour of pain there shall be more bitter than a thousand years of the sharpest penance here ! There is no quiet, no comfort for the damned there ; ^ yet here we have some intermission of our labours, and enjoy the comfort of our friends. Be now solicitous and sorrowful because of thy sins, that at the day of judgment thou mayest be secure with the blessed. For then shall the righteous with great boldness stand against such as have vexed and oppressed them."^ Then shall he stand to judge them, who doth now humbl)' submit himself to the censures of men. Then shall the poor and humble have great confidence, but the proud man shall be compassed with fear on every side. 5. Then will it a])[)ear that he was wise; in this ' h,b \1. \z : xli. - Wisd. V. 1. 78 IMITATION OF CHRIST. world, who had learned to be a fool and despised for Christ's sake. Then shall every affliction patiently undergone delight us, wheh the mouth of all iniquity shall be stopped.^ Then shall all the devout rejoice, and all the profane mourn. Then shall the mortified flesh more rejoice than that which hath been pampered with all plea- sures.^ Then shall the poor attire shine gloriously, and the precious robes seem vile and contemptible. Then the poor cottage shall be more com- mended than the gilded palace. Then shall constant patience more avail us than all earthly power. Then simple obedience shall be exalted above all worldly wisdom.^ 6. Then shall a good and clear conscience more rejoice a man than all the learning of philosophy. Then shall the contempt of riches weigh more than all the world) ino-'s treasure. Then shalt thou be more comforted that thou hast prayed devoutly than that thou hast fared daintily. Then shalt thou be more sflad that thou hast kept silence than that thou hast spoken much. ' Fsalin cvii. 42. -' 2 Cor. iv. 17. '* Isai.ih xxix. 19. I M IT ATI ox OF CHRIST. 79 Then shall good works avail more than many goodly words. Then a strict life and severe repentance shall be more pleasing than all earthly delights. Accustom thyself now to suffer a little, that thou mayest then be delivered from more grievous pains. Prove first here what thou canst endure here- after. If now thou canst endure so little, how wilt thou then be able to support eternal torments ? If now a little suffering make thee so impatient, what will hell fire do hereafter } Assure thyself thou canst not have two joys ; it is impossible to take thy pleasure here in this world, and after that to reign with Christ. 7. Suppose that thou hadst up to this day lived always in honours and delights, what would it all avail thee if thou wert doomed to die at this instant ? ^ All therefore is vanity,^ except to love God and serve Him only. For he that loveth God with all his heart is neither afraid of death, nor of punishment, nor of judgment, nor of hell ; for perfect love gives secure access to God.'^ But he that takes delight in sin, what marvel is it if he be afraid l)Oth of death and judgment ? ' l.ukc xii. 20. ' I'iccles. i. 2. * Rom. viii 39. So I MIT AT I OX OF CHRLST. Yet it is good, although love be not yet of force to withhold thee from sin, that at least the fear of hell should restrain thee. But lie that la)cth aside the fear of God, can never continue long in good estate, but falleth quickly into the snares of the devil. CHAPTER XXV. Of the rjcaloiis aiiictuhncnt of our ii'holc Lfe. E watchful and dilig-ent in the service of God ; ^ and often be- think thyself wherefore thou earnest hither, and why thou hast left the world. Was it not that thou mightest live to God, and become a spiritual man ? Be fervent then in going forward, "-^ for shortly thou shalt receive the reward of thy labours ; there shall not be then any more fear or sorrow in thy coasts/^ Labour but a little now, and thou shalt find great rest, yea, perpetual joy.^ If thou continuest faithful and fervent in thy work, no doubt but that God will be faithful and liberal in rewardino' thee."^ ' 2 Tim. iv. 5. - .Malt. v. 4S. ■* Ecclus. li. 27 ; Rc\'. .\.\i. 4 : .wii. 3. Rc\'. xxi. 4 : N\ii. Mi'.tl. .\xv. :3. (i 82 IMITA TION OF CHRIST. Thou oughtest to have a good hope ^ of getting the victory ; but thou must not be secure, lest thou wax eitlier ncghgent or proud. 2. When one that was in anxiety of mind, often wavering between fear and hope, did once, being oppressed with grief, humbly prostrate him- self in a church before the altar, in prayer, and said within himself. Oh if I knew that I should yet persevere ! he presently heard within him an answer from God, which said, If thou didst know it, what wouldst thou do ? Do now what thou wouldst do then, and thou shalt be secure. And being" herewith comforted and streni^th- ened, he committed himself wholly to the will of God, and his anxious wavering ceased. Neither had he the mind to search curiously any farther, to know what should befall him ; but rather laboured to understand what was the perfect and acceptable will of God ^ for the beginning and accomplishing of every good work. 3. " Trust in the Lord, and do good," saith the Prophet; "so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."'^ One thing there is that draweth many back from a spiritual progress, and the diligent amend- ment of their lives ; the fear of the difficulty, or the labour of the combat. ' Ron\ V. 5. - Rom. xii. 2. ^ Ps.ilm xx.w ii. 3. IMITA TION OF CHRIST. 83 But they especially exceed others in all virtue, who make the greatest effort to overcome those things which are most grievous and contrary unto them. For there a man improveth most and obtaineth greatest grace, where he most overcometh himself and mortifieth himself in spirit. 4. But all men have not equally much to over- come and mortify. Yet he that is zealous and diligent, though he have more passions, shall profit more than another that is of a more temperate natural disposition, if he be less fervent in the pursuit of all virtue. Two things especially much further our amend- ment, to wit, To withdraw ourselves violently from those vices to which our nature is most inclined, and to labour earnestly for that good which we most lack. Be careful also to avoid with great diligence those things in thyself which do commonly displease thee in others. 5. Gather some profit to thy soul wheresoever thou art ; so that if thou seest or hearest of any good examples, thou stir up thyself to the imitation thereof. But if thou ob.serve an)thing worthy of reproof, beware thou do not the same. And if at any time thou hast done it, labour quickly to amend thyself. 8 4 IMITATION OF CHRIST. As thine eye observeth others,^ so art thou also noted again by others. O how sweet and pleasant a thing it is, to see brethren fervent and devout, well-mannered and well-disciplined ! - And on the contrary, how sad and grievous a thino- it is to see them live in a dissolute and disordered sort, not applying themselves to that for which they are called ! How hurtful a thing is it, wdien they neglect the good purposes of their vocation, and busy themselves in that which is not committed to their care ! 6. Be mindful of the profession which thou hast made, and have always before the eyes of thy soul the remembrance of thy Saviour crucified. Thou hast gocd cause to be ashamed in looking upon the life of Jesus Christ, seeing thou hast not as yet endeavoured to conform th)'self more unto Him, though thou hast been a long time in the way of God. A Religious person that e-xerciseth himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord, shall there abundantly find whatsoever is necessary and profitable for him ; neither shall he need to seek any better thing oiit of Jksus. ' Matt. vii. 3. - J''.ph. v; 1 Cor. xii. 18: J-acIcs. iii. i. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 85 O if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts,^ how quickly and fully should we be taught ! 7. A fervent Religious person taketh and beareth well all that is commanded him. But he that is negligent and lukewarm hath tribulation upon tribulation, and on all sides is afflicted ; for he is void of inward consolation, and is forbidden to seek outward comforts. A Religious person that liveth. not according to discipline, lieth open to great mischief, to the ruin of his soul. He that seeketh liberty and ease, shall ever live in disquiet ; for one thing or other will displease him. 8. O that we had nothing else to do, but always with our mouth and whole heart to praise our Lord God ! O that thou mightest never have need to eat, or drink, or sleep ; but mightest always praise God, and only employ thyself in spiritual (exer- cises. Thou shouldst then be much more happy than now thou art, when for so many necessities thou art constrained to serve thy body ! Would God there were not these necessities, but only the spiritual refreshmcents of the soul, which, alas, we taste too seldom ! 9. When a man cometh to that estate that he seeketh not his comfort from an)- creature, then ' (ial. ii. 20 ; \ i. 14. 86 IMITATION OF CHRIST. doth he hegin perfectly to relish God. Then shidl he be contented with whatsoever doth befall him : Then shall he neither rejoice in having much, nor be sorrowful for having little ; but entirely and confidently commit himself to God, who shall be unto him all in all ; ^ to whom nothincr doth perish nor die, but all things do live unto Him, and serve Him at his command without dela}'. lo. Remember always thine end,- and that time lost never returns. Without care and diligence thou shalt never get virtue. If thou begin to wax lukewarm,^ it will begin to be evil with thee ; But if thou give thyself to fervour of spirit thou shalt find much peace, and feel ' less labour, by reason of the assistance of God's grace, and the love of virtue. The fervent and diligent man is prepared for all thinQT.s. It is harder work to resist vices and passions, than to toil in bodily labours. He that avoideth not small faults, b\- little and little falleth into oreater.^ Thou wilt always rejoice in the evening, if thou have spent the day profitably. ' Rom. xl. 36 ; i Cor. viii. 6 : .\ii. 6 : xv. 28. Ecclus. vii. 36. ^ Rev. iii. 16. ^ Ecclus. xix. i. IMITATIDA' OF CHRIST. 87 Be watchful over thyself, stir up thyself, admonish thyself, and whatever becomes of others neglect not thyself The more violence thou usest against thyself, the greater shall be thy profiting. Amen. 19 J\v.S'-'?Z ' h j^flrliftii^jSi^jj^M ^^^MBIl' li M| ^^EL" ]i\i\ liiluHlMIIIn^Bi l^m Che ^tmxH I'.ooh. ADMONITIONS CONCERNING INWARD THINGS. CHAPTER I 0/ the Iinuard Life. HE kingdoni of God is within )ou," ^ saith the Lord. Turn thee with thy whole heart ^ unto the Lord, and forsake this wretched world, and th)' soul shall find rest. Learn to despise outward things, and to give ' Luke xvii. 21. -' Joel ii. 12. 92 /M/T.ITIOX OF CHRIST. thyself to things inward, and thou shalt perceive the kingdom of God to be come in thee. " For the kingdom of God is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost," ^ which is not given to the unholy, Christ will come unto thee, and shew thee His own consolation, if thou prepare for Him a worthy mansion within thee. All His glory and beauty is from within,- and there He deliofhteth Himself. The inward man He often visiteth ; and hath with him sweet discourses, pleasant solace, much peace, familiarity exceeding wonderful. 2. O faithful soul, make ready thy heart for this Bridegroom, that He may vouchsafe to come unto thee, and to dwell within thee. For thus saith He : "If any man love me, he will keep my words, and we will come unto him, and will make our abode with him."'^ Give therefore admittance unto Christ, and deny entrance to all others. When thou hast Christ, thou art rich, and hast enough. He will be thy faithful and provident helper in all things, so that thou shalt not need to trust in men. For men soon change, and quickly fail ; but Christ remaineth for ever,^ and standeth Ijy us hrmly unto the end. ' I\()in. xiv. 17. -' Psalm xiv. 13. •* John \iv. 25. ^ John xii. 34. IMirA'IIOX OF CHRIST. 93 3. There is no great trust to be put in a frail and mortal man/ even though he be pro- fitable and dear unto us : neither ought we to be much grieved, if sometimes he cross and contradict us. They that to-day take thy part, to-morrow may be aoainst thee ; and often do men turn like the wind. Put all thy trust in God,- let Him be thy fear, and thy love : He shall answer for thee, and will do all things well, and as is best for thee. Thou hast not here an abiding: citv ; '' and wheresoever thou mayest be, thou art a stranger and pilgrim : neither shalt thou ever have rest, unless thou be inwardly united unto Christ. 4. Why dost thou here gaze about, since this is not the place of thy rest? In heaven ought to be thy home,^ and all earthly things are to be looked upon as it were by the way. All things pass away,^ and thou together with them. Beware thou cleave not unto them, lest thou be caught, and so perish. Let thy thoughts be on the Highest, and thy prayers for mercy directed unto Christ without ceasing. If thou canst not contemplate high and heavenly things, rest thyself in the passion of ' Jcr. wii. 5. - I I'ct. \. 7. ^ llcl). xiii. 14. ' I'liil. iii. 20. •' W'isd. \. 9. 94 IMITATION OF CHRIST. Christ, and dwell wilHncfly on His sacred wounds. For if thou fly devoutly unto the wounds and precious marks of the Lord Jesus, thou shalt feel oreat comfort in tribulation : neither wilt thou much care for the slights of men, and wilt easily bear the words of those that reproach thee. 5. Christ was also in the world, despised of men, and in His greatest necessity forsaken by His acquaintance and friends, in the midst of reproaches.^ Christ was willing to suffer and be despised ; and darest thou complain of any thing ? Christ had adversaries and backbiters ; and dost thou wish. to have all men thy friends and benefactors ? Whence shall thy patience attain her crown, ^ if no adversity befall thee ? If thou art willing to suffer no contradiction, how wilt thou be the friend of Christ ? Suffer with Christ, and for Christ, if thou desire to reisfn with Christ. 6. If thou hadst but once perfectly entered into the secrets of the Lord Jesus, and tasted a little of His ardent love, then wouldst thou not regard thine own convenience or incon\'cnience, but rather wouldst rejoice in reproaches, il they ' Matt. xii. 24; \\ i. 21 ; Joliii w. 20. " 2 'I'im. ii. 5. I Mir A TION OF CHRIST. 95 should be cast upon thee ; for the love of Jesus maketh a man to despise himself. A lover of Jesus and of the truth, and a true inward Christian, and one free from inordinate affections, can freely turn himself unto God, and lift himself above himself in spirit, and rest in full enjoyment. 7. He that judgeth of all things as they are, and not as they are said or esteemed to be, is truly wise, and taught rather of God than of men.^ He that knoweth how to live inwardly, and to make small reckoning of things without, neither requireth places, nor awaiteth times for performing of reliofious exercises. A spiritual man quickly recollecteth himself, because he never poureth out himself wholly to outward things. He is not hindered by outward labour or busi- ness, which may be necessary for the time: but as things fall out, so he suits himself to them. He that is well ordered and disposed within himself, careth not for the strange and perverse behaviour of men. A man is hindered and distracted, in proportion as he draweth outward things unto himself. 8. If it were well with thee, and thou wert throughly [)urified from sin, all things would fall out to thee for good,- anil to th)' progress. ' Ib.iiah liv. 13. -' Rnin. viii. :!(S. 95 IMITATION OF CHRIST. But many things displease and often trouble thee, because thou art not yet perfectly dead unto thyself, nor separated from all earthly things. Nothing so defileth and entangleth the heart of man, as the impure love of things created. If thou refuse outward comfort, thou wilt be al)le to contemplate the things of Heaven, and often to receive internal joy. CHAPTER II. Of Jimnblc Snbviission. EGARD not much who is for thee, or who against thee : ^ but give all thy thought and care to this, that God be with thee in every thing thou doest. Have a good conscience, and God will well defend thee.'-^ For whom God will help, no malice of man shall be able to hurt. If thou canst be silent and suffer, without doubt thou shalt see that the Lord wall help thee. He knoweth the time and the manner to deliver thee, and therefore thou oughtest to resign thyself unto Him. It belongeth to God to help, and to deliver from all confusion. Rom. \ ii. 31 • I Cor. \\. Psalm xwiii. 7. 11 98 IMITATION OF CHRIST. It is often very profitable, to keep us more humble, that others know and rebuke our faults. 2, When a man humbleth himself for his failings, then he easily pacifieth others, and quickly satisfieth those that are offended with him. God protecteth the humble and delivereth him ; ^ the humble He loveth and comforteth ; unto the humble man He inclineth Himself; unto the humble He giveth great grace; and after his humiliation He raiseth him to glory. Unto the humble He revealeth His secrets,^ and sweetly draweth and inviteth him unto Himself. The humble man, though he suffer confusion, hath yet much peace ; for that he resteth on God, and not on the world. Do not think that thou hast made any progress, unless thou esteem thyself inferior to all. ' James iii. ; Job v. 1 1. 2 Matt. xi. 25. CHAPTER III. Of a good and peaceable Man. IRST, keep thyself in peace and then shalt thou be able to make peace among others. A peaceable man doth more good than he that is well learned. A passionate man draweth even good into evil, and easily believeth the worst. A good and peaceable man turneth all things to good. He that is in peace, is not suspicious of any.^ But he that is discontented and troubled, is tossed with divers suspicions : he is neither quiet himself, nor suffereth others to be quiet. He often speaketh that which he ought not to ' Cor. xiii. 5. IMITATION OF CHRIST. speak ; and Icaveth undone that which it were more expedient for him to do. He considcreth what others are bound to do/ and neo-lecteth that which he is bound to do himself. First, therefore, have a careful zeal over thy- self,^ and then thou mayest justly shew thyself zealous also of thy neighbour's good. 2. Thou knowest well how to excuse and colour thine own deeds, but thou art not willing to receive the excuses of others. It were more just that thou shouldst accuse thyself, and excuse thy brother. If thou wilt thyself be borne with, bear also with another.^ Behold, how far off thou art yet from true charity and humility ; for that knows not how to be angry with any, or to be moved with in- dignation, but only against a man's self It is no great matter to associate with the good and gentle ; for this is naturally pleasing to all, and every one willingly enjo)'eth peace, and loveth those best that agree with him. But to be able to live peaceably with hard and perverse persons, or with the disorderly, or with such as go contrary to us, is a great grace, and a most commendable and manly thing. ' Matt. vii. 3. - Acts xxii. 3. ^ Gal. vi. 2 ; i Cor. xiii. 7. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 3, Some there are that keep themselves in peace, and are in peace also with others. And there are some that neither are in peace themselves, nor suffer others to be in peace : They are troublesome to others, but always more troublesome to themselves. And others there are that keep themselves in peace, and study to bring back others unto peace. Nevertheless, our whole peace in this miserable life consisteth rather in humble endurance, than in not suffering things that are contrary to us. He that knoweth best how to suffer, will best keep himself in peace. That man is conqueror of himself, and lord of the world, the friend of Christ, and an heir of heaven. CHAPTER IV. Of a Pure Mind, and a Simple Intention. Y two wings a man is lifted up from things earthly, namely, by Simplicity and Purity. Simplicity ought to be in our intention ; purity in our af- fections. Simplicity doth tend towards God ; purity doth apprehend and taste Him. No o-Qod action will hinder thee, if thou be in thy heart free from inordinate affection. If thou intend and seek nothino- else but the will of God and the good of thy neighbour, thou shalt thoroughly enjoy inward liberty. If thy heart were sincere and upright, then every creature would be unto thee a living mirror, and a book of holy doctrine. There is no creature so small and abject, that it representeth not the goodness of God.^ ' Rom. i. 20. IMJTAllON OF CHRIST. 103 2. If thou wert inwardly good and pure,^ then woLildst thou be able to see and understand all things well without impediment. A pure heart penetrateth heaven and hell. Such as every one is inwardly, so he judgeth outwardly. If there be joy in the world, surely a man of a pure heart possesseth it. And if there be any where tribulation and affliction, an evil conscience best knoweth it. As iron put into the fire loseth its rust, and becometh clearly red hot, so he that wholly turneth himself unto God, putteth off all slothful- ness, and is transformed into a new man. 3. When a man beginneth to grow lukewarm, then he is afraid of a little labour, and willingly receiveth comfort from outward things. But when he once beginneth to overcome himself perfectly, and to walk manfully in the way of God, then he esteemeth those things to be light which before seemed grievous unto him. ' l^iov. iii. 3, 4; Psalm cxix. 100. :^ >-, CHAPTER V. 0/ tJic Consideration of Ones Self. E cannot trust much to our- selves,^ because grace often- times is wanting to us, and understanding also. There is but little light in us, and that which we have we quickly lose by our negligence. Oftentimes too we do not perceive our own inward blindness how great it is. We often do a bad act, and make a worse excuse.^ We are sometimes moved with passion, and we think it to be zeal. W^e reprehend small things in others, and pass over greater matters in ourselves.'^ W'e quickly enough feel and weigh what we ' [er. xvii. 5. I'salm rxli. 4. Matt. vii. 5. IMITA TION OF CHRIST. 105 suffer at the hands of others ; but we mind not what others suffer from us. He that well and rightly considereth his own works, will find little cause to judge hardly of another. 2. He who is a Christian at heart preferreth the care of himself before all other cares. ^ And he that diligently attendeth unto himself, can easily keep silence concerning others. Thou wilt never be thus in heart religious, unless thou pass over other men's matters with silence, and look especially to thyself. If thou attend wholly unto God and thyself, thou wilt be but little moved with whatsoever thou seest abroad.^ Where art thou, when thou art not with thyself ? And when thou hast run over all, what hast thou then profited, if thou hast neglected thyself ? If thou desirest peace of mind and true unity of purpose, thou must still put all other things behind thee, and look only upon thyself. 3. Thou shalt profit much, if thou keep thyself free from all temporal care. Thou shalt greatly lose if thou take thought for any temporal thing. Let nothing be great unto thee, nothing high, nothing pleasing, nothing acceptable, but only God Himself, or that which is of God, ' Matt. \vi. 26. ^ I Cor. iv. 3 ; Cial. i. 10. IMITATION OF CHRIST. Esteem all comfort vain,^ which thou receivest from any creature. A soul that loveth God, desplseth all things that are inferior unto God. God alone is everlasting, and of infinite great- ness, filline all creatures ; the comfort of the soul, and the true joy of the heart. ' Eccles. i. 14. CHAPTER VI. Of the Joy of a good Conscience. HE glory of a good man is the testimony of a good conscience.^ Have a good conscience, and thou shalt ever have joy. A good conscience is able to bear very much, and is very cheerful in adversities. An evil conscience is always fearful and un- quiet.- Thou shalt rest sweetly, if thy heart condemn thee not. Never rejoice, but when thou hast done well. Sinners have never true joy, nor feel inward peace ; because " There is no peace to the wicked," saith the Lord.'^ And if they should say, " We arc in peace, nc^ ' I Cor. i. ^i. '"' Wisdom xvii. i i. ' Isai.ili l\ii. 2 r. io8 IMITA TION OF CHRIST. evil shall fall upon us,\and who shall dare to hurt us ? " believe them not ; for upon a sudden will arise the wrath of God, and their deeds shall be brought to nought, and their thoughts shall perish. 2. To glory in tribulation is no hard thing for him that loveth ; for so to glory, is to glory in the Cross of the Lord.^ That glory is short which is given and received from men.'"^ Sorrow always accompanleth the glory of the world. The glory of the good is in their consciences, and not in the tongues of men. The orladness of the just is of God,^ and in God ; and their joy is of the truth. He that desireth true and everlasting glory careth not for that which is temporal. And he that seeketh temporal glory, or de- spiseth it not from his soul, sheweth himself to have but little esteem of the glory of heaven. He enjoyeth great tranquillity of heart that careth neither for the praise nor dispraise of men. 3. He will easily be content and at peace whose conscience is pure. Thou art not the more holy for being praised ; nor the more worthless for being dispraised. ' Luke xii. ig. - Rom. viii. ; Gal. vi. 14. ^ John V. 44. ■• 2 Cor. iii. 5. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 109 What thou art, that thou art ; neither by words canst thou be made oreater than what thou art in the siofht of God. If thou consider what thou art in thyself, thou wilt not care what men say of thee. Man looketh on the countenance, but God on the heart. ^ Man considereth the deeds, but God weigheth the intentions. To be always doing good, and to esteem little of one's self, is the sign of an humble soul. To be unwilling to have any created being for our comforter, is a sign of great purity and inward confidence. 4. He that seeketh no testimony on his behalf from without, doth shew that he hath wholly committed himself unto God. " For not he that commendeth himself is approved (saith Saint Paul), but whom God commendeth." ^ To walk in the heart with God, and not to be held in bondage by any outward affection, is the state of a spiritual man. ' I Sam. xvi. 7. 23 Cor. x. 18. IW CHAPTER VII. Of the Love of Jesus above all Things. LESSED is he that under- standeth ^ what it is to love Jesus, and to despise himself for Jesus' sake. Thou oughtest to leave thy beloved for the Beloved ; - for Jesus will be loved alone above all things. The love of things created is deceitful and inconstant; the love of Jesus is faithful and constant. He that cleaveth unto creatures, shall fall with that which is subject to fall ; he that embraceth Jesus shall stand firmly for ever. Love Him, and keep Him for thy friend, who, w^hen all go away, will not forsake thee, nor suffer thee to perish in the end. ^ Psalm cxix. i, 2. - Dcut. vi. 5 ; Song of Sol. ii. i6 ; Matt. xxii. 37. IMITATION OF CHRIST. Sometime or other thou must be separated from all, whether thou wilt or no. 2. Keep close to Jesus both in life and in death, and commit thyself unto His faithfulness, who, when all fail, can alone help thee. Thy Beloved is of such a nature, that He will admit of no rival ; but will have thy heart alone, and sit on His own Throne as King. If thou couldst empty thyself perfectly of all created things, Jesus would willingly dwell with thee. Whatsoever trust thou reposest in men, out of Jesus, is all little better than lost. Trust not nor lean upon a reed shaken by the wind ; for that all flesh is grass, and all the glory thereof shall wither away as the flower of the field.i 3. Thou wilt soon be deceived, if thou only look to the outward appearance of men. For, if thou seekest thy comfort and thy profit in others, thou shalt often feel loss. If thou seekest Jesus in all things, thou shalt surely find Jesus. But if thou seekest thyself, thou shalt also find thyself, but to thine own destruction. For if a man do not seek Jesus, he is more hurtful to himself than the whole world and all his enemies could be. Isai.ili xl. 6. CHAPTER VIII, Of familiar Friendship zuith Jesus. HEN Jesus is present, all is well, and nothing seems diffi- cult ; but when Jesus is not present, every thing is liard. When Jesus speaks not in- wardly to us, all other comfort is nothing worth ; but if Jesus speak but one word, we feel great consolation. Did not Mary Magdalene rise immediately from the place where she wept, when Martha said to her, " The Master is come, and calleth for thee"?^ Happy hour! when Jesus calleth from tears to spiritual joy. How dry and hard art thou without Jesus! How foolish and vain, if thou desire anything out of J ESUS ! ' John xi. 28. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 113 Is not this a grreater loss, than if thou shouldst lose the whole world ? ^ 2, What can the world profit thee without Jesus? To be without Jesus is a grievous hell ; and to be with Jesus, a sweet paradise. If Jesus be with thee, no enemy shall be able to hurt thee.- He that findeth Jesus findeth a good treasure,-*^ yea, a good above all good. And he that loseth Jesus loseth overmuch, yea, more than the whole world ! Most poor is he who liveth without Jesus ;^ and he most rich who is dear to Jesus. 3. It asketh great skill to know how to hold converse with Jesus; and to know how to retain Jesus is great wisdom. Be thou humble and peaceable, and Jesus will be with thee.^ Be devout and quiet, and Jesus will stay with thee. Thou mayest soon drive away Jesus, and lose His favour, if thou wilt turn aside to outward things. And if thou shouldst drive Him from thee and lose Him, unto whom wilt thou flee, and whom wilt thou then seek for thy friend } ' Matt. x\i. 26. ^ Rom. \ iii. 35. •' Matt. xiii. 44. ■• Luke .\ii. 21. '■ I'rov. iii. 17. 1 114 IMITATION OF CHRIST. Without a friend thou canst not well live ; and if Jesus be not above all friends to thee, thou shalt be indeed sad and desolate. Therefore thou doest not wisely, if thou trust or rejoice in any other. ^ 1 1 is preferable to have all the world against us, rather than to have Jesus offended with us. Amongst all therefore that be dear unto us, let Jesus alone be specially beloved. 4. Love all for Jesus, but Jesus for Himself. Jp:sus Christ alone is singularly to be loved; and He alone is found Good and Faithful above all friends. For Him, and in Him, let friends as well as foes be dear unto thee ; and all these are to be prayed for, that He would make them all to know and to love Him.'- Never desire to be singularly commended or beloved, for that appertaineth only unto God, who hath none like unto Himself. Neither do thou desire that the heart of any should be set on thee, nor do thou set thy heart on the love of any; but let Jesus be in thee, and in every good man. 5. Re pure and free within, and entangle not thy heart with any creature. Thou oughtest to be naked and open before God, ever carrying thy heart pure towards Him, ' (ial. \i. 14. - M.itt. V. 44 ; Luke vi. 27, 28. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 115 it thou wouldst be free to consider and see how sweet the Lord is. And truly, unless thou be prevented and drawn by His grace, thou shalt never attain to that happiness of forsaking and taking leave of all, in order that thou alone mayest be united to Him alone. For when the grace of God cometh unto a man, then he is made able for all things. And when it goeth away, then is he poor and weak, and as it were left only for affliction. In this case thou oughtest not to be cast down, nor to despair ; but to resign thyself calmly to the will of God, and whatever comes upon thee, to endure it for the glory of Jesus Christ; for after winter followeth summer, after night the day returneth, and after a tempest a great calm. [ 2 CHAPTI'R IX. Of llic Want of all Comfort. T is no hard matter to despise human comfort,^ when we have that which is divine. It is much, and very much, to l)e able to lack both human and divine comfort ; and, for God's honour, to be willing cheerfully to endure desolation of heart ; and to seek one's self in nothing, nor to regard one's own merit. What orgeat matter is it, if at the comino- of grace thou be cheerful and devout ? this hour is wished for of all men. He rideth easily enough whom the grace of God carrieth. And what marvel if he feel not his burden who is borne up by the Almight)-, and led by the Sovereion Ciuide ? ' I'liil. ii. 12. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 117 2. We are always u'illing" to have stJinethiiig for our comfort; and a man i.loth not without difficulty strip himself of self The holy martyr Laurence and his priest over- came the world, because whatsoever seemed de- lightsome in the world he despised ; and for the love of Christ he patiently suffered God's chief priest Sixtus, whom he most dearly loved, to be even taken away from him. He therefore overcame the love of man by the love of the Creator ; and he rather chose what pleased God, than human comfort. So also do thou learn to part even with a near and dear friend for the love of God. Nor do thou think it hard, when tr.ou art deserted by a friend, as knowing that we ail at last must be separated one from another. 3. A man must strive long and mightily within himself, before he can learn fully to master himself, and to draw his whole heart unto God. When a man trusteth in himself, he easil)- slideth unto human comforts. But a true lover of Christ, and a diligent follower of all virtue, does not fall Ixick on comforts, nor seek such sensible sweetnesses ; but rather prefers hard exercises, and to sustain severe labours for Christ. 4. When therefore spiritual comfort is gi\en thee from God, receive it with iharikfulness ; but IMITATION OF CHRIST. understand that it is the gift of God, not thy desert. Be not puffed up, be not too joyful, nor vainly presumptuous ; but rather be the more humble for that gift, more wary too and fearful in all thine actions ; for that hour will pass away, and tempta- tion will follow. When consolation is taken from thee, do not immediately despair ; but with humility and patience wait for the heavenly visitation ; for God is able to give thee back again more ample consolation. This is nothinof new nor stranore unto them that have experience in the way of God ; for the great saints and ancient prophets had oftentimes ex- perience of such kind of vicissitudes. 5. For which cause, one, while he w^as basking in divine grace, said, " I said in my prosperity, I shall never be moved." ^ But in the absence of it, he adds this experience of what he was in himself, " Thou didst turn Thy face from me, and I was troubled." Yet in the midst of all this he doth not by any means despair, but more earnestly beseecheth the Lord, and saith, " Unto Thee, O Lord, will I cry, and I will pray unto my God." At length, he receiveth the fruit of his prayer, and testifieth that he was heard, saying, " The ^ Psalm XXX. 6 — 11. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 119 Lord hath heard me, and taken pit}^ on me ; the Lord is become my helper." But wherein ? " Thou hast turned," saith he, " my sorrow into joy, and thou hast compassed me about with gladness." If great saints were so dealt with, we that are weak and poor ought not to despair if we be sometimes hot and sometimes cold ; for the Spirit Cometh and goeth according to the good pleasure of His own will.^ For which cause holy Job saith, " Thou visitest him early in the morninor, and suddenly thou provest him." '^ 6. Whereupon then can I hope, or wherein ought I to trust, save in the great mercy of God alone, and in the only hope of heavenly grace } For whether I have with me good men, either religious brethren, or faithful friends ; whether holy books, or beautiful treatises, or sweet psalms and hymns ; all these help but little, and have but little savour, when grace forsaketh me, and I am left in mine own poverty. At such time there is no better remedy than patience, and the denying of myself according to the will of God.'^ 7. I never found any so religious and devout, that he had not sometimes a withdrawing of grace, or felt not some decrease of zeal. ' jnliii iii. (S. -■ jol) \ li. i,S. ' l.ukr i\. 2^-,. IMITATION OF CHRTST. There was never saint so highly rapt and iUuminated, who first or last was not tempted. For he is not worthy of the high contemplation of God who hath not been exercised with some tribulation for God's sake. For temptation going before is wont to be a sign of comfort to follow. For unto those that are proved by temptations heavenly comfort is promised. " To him that overcometh," saith He, " I will give to eat of the tree of life." ^ 8. But divine consolation is given, that a man may be stronger to bear adversities. There followeth also temptation, lest he should wax proud of any good. The devil sleepeth not,- neither is the flesh as yet dead ; therefore cease not to prepare thyself to the battle ; for on thy right hand and on thy left are enemies who never rest. ' Rev. ii. 7. - I Pet. v. 8. CHAPTER X. Of Gratitude for the Grace of God. HY seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labour.^ Dispose thyself to patience rather than to comfort, and to the bearing of the cross rather than to orladness.- What worldly man is there that would not willingly receive spiritual joy and comfort if he could always have it ? For spiritual comforts exceed all the delights of the world, and the pleasures of the flesh. For all worldly delights are either vain or un- clean ; but spiritual delights alone are pleasant and honest, being sprung from virtue, and infused by God into pure minds. Job V. 7. ''■ Luke xiv. 27. IMITATION OF CHRIST. But no man can always enjoy these divine comforts according to his desire ; for the time of temptation is never far away. 2. But false freedom of mind and great con- fidence in ourselves are very contrary to heavenly visitations. God doeth well for us in giving the grace of comfort ; but man doeth evil in not returning all acrain unto God with thanksQrivino-. And therefore the gifts of grace cannot flow in us, because we are unthankful to the Giver, and return them not wholly to the source and fountain.^ For grace ever attendeth him that is duly thankful ; and from the proud shall be taken that which is wont to be Q-iven to the humble. 3. I desire not that consolation that taketh from me compunction ; nor do I affect that con- templation which leadeth to a high mind. For all that is high is not holy ; nor all that is sweet, good ; nor every desire, pure ; nor is every thing that is dear unto us pleasing to God. Willingly do I accept of that grace, whereby I may ever be found more humble, and more affected with fear, and may become more ready to renounce myself. He that is taught by the gift of grace, and schooled by the withdrawing thereof, will not dare to attribute any good to himself, but will ' l^cclu^. i. T. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 123 rather acknowledge himself to be poor and naked. Give unto God that which is God's/ and ascribe unto thyself that which is thine own ; that is, give thanks to God for His grace; and ac- knowledge that to thyself alone is to be attributed sin, and the punishment due to sin. 4. Set thyself always in the lowest place - and the highest shall be given thee ; for the highest is not without the lowest. The chiefest Saints before God are the least in their own judgments ; and the more glorious they are, so much the humbler within themselves. Those that are full of truth and heavenly glory are not desirous of empty glory. Those that are firmly settled and grounded in God can in no way be proud. And they that ascribe all good unto God, whatsoever they have received, seek not glory one of another, but desire that glory which is from God alone ; and above all things that God may be praised in Himself, and in all His saints; and are always pressing on for this very thing. 5. Be therefore thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou be meet to receive greater. Let the least be unto thee even as the greatest, yea, the most contemptible gift as of especial value. ' Malt. \xii. 21. - Luke xiv. 10. 124 IMITATION OF CIIRLST. If thou consider the worth of the giver, no gift will seem little, or of too mean esteem. For that cannot be little which is given by the most High God. Yea, if He should give punishment and stripes^ it ought to be matter of thankfulness ; because He doeth always for our welfare, whatsoever He permitted to happen unto us. He that desireth to keep the grace of God, let him be thankful for grace given, and patient for the taking away thereof : let him pray that it may return ; let him be cautious and humble, lest he lose it. CHAPTER XI. I'hat t/ic lovers of the Cross of JesUS arc fcxv \ ^^(^i^^ i- ESUS hath now many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few bearers of His cross. He hath many desirous of consolation, but few of tribu- lation. He findeth many companions of His table, but few of His abstinence. All desire to rejoice with Him, few are willing to endure any thing for Him. Many follow Jesus unto the breaking of bread ; but few to the drinking of the cup of His passion.^ Many reverence His miracles, few follow the ignominy of His cross. ' Luke ix. 14 ; wii. 41, 42. 126 IMITATION OF CHRIST. Many love Jesus so long as no adversities befall them. Many praise and bless Him so long as they receive any consolation from Him. But if J]:sus hide Himself, and leave them but a little while, they fall either into complaining, or into too much dejection of mind. 2. But they who love Jesus for His own sake, and not for some special comfort which they receive, bless Him in all tribulation and anguish of heart, as well as in the state of highest comfort. Yea, although He should never be willing to give them comfort, they notwithstanding would ever praise Him, and wish to be always giving thanks. 3. O how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, which is mixed with no self-interest, nor self-love ! Are not all those to be called mercenary, who are ever seeking consolations .'^ Do they not shew themselves to be rather lovers of themselves than of Christ, who are always thinking of their own profit and advan- tage ? ^ Where shall one be found who is willing to serve God for nought ? 4. Rarely is any one found so spiritual as to have suffered the loss of all things. ' I'hil. ii. ■z\. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 127 For where is any man to be found that is indeed poor in spirit, and thoroughly void of all leaning on created things ? " From afar, yea from the ends of the earth, is his value." ^ If a man should give all his substance, it is as yet nothing. And if he should practise great repentance, still it is little. And if he should attain to all knowledge, he is still afar off. And if he should be of great virtue, and of very fervent devotion, yet there is much wanting : especially one thing, which is most necessary for him. What is that ^ That leaving all, he forsake himself, and go wholly from himself,^ and retain nothing of self-love. And Avhen he hath done all that is to be clone, so far as he knoweth, let him think that he hath done nothing. 5. Let him not think that of great weight which might be esteemed great ; but let him in truth pronounce himself to be an unprofitable servant, as the Truth Himself saith, " When you shall have done all things that are commanded you, say, we are unprofitable servants."^ Then may he be truly poor and naked in spirit, ' Prov. xxxi. 10, Latin version. ■ Matt. wi. 24. •' Luke wii. 10. 1-28 IMITATION OF CHRIST. and say with the Prophet, " I am desolate and afflicted." 1 Yet none is richer than that man, none more powerful, none more free; for he knoweth how to leave himself and all things, and to set himself in the lowest place. ' Psalm x.w. 16. CHAPTER XII. Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross. HIS seemeth unto many an hard speech, " Deny thyself, take up thy cross, and follow Jesus." ^ But much harder will it be to hear that last word, " Depart from me, ye cursed, into ever- lasting fire." ^ For they who now willingly hear and follow the word of the cross, shall not then fear "^ to hear the sentence of everlasting- damnation. This sign of the cross shall be in the heaven when the Lord shall come to judgment. Then all the servants of the cross, who in their life-time conformed themselves unto Christ Cru- cified, shall draw near unto Christ the Judge with great confidence. ' Malt. xvi. 24. Matt. xxv. 41. Psalm cxii. 7. 1< I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 2. Why therefore fearest thou to take up the cross which leadeth thee to a kingdom ? In the cross is salvation, in the cross is Hfe, in the cross is protection against our enemies, in the cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness, in the cross is strength of mind, in the cross joy of spirit, in the cross the height of virtue, in the cross the perfection of sanctity. There. is no salvation of the soul, nor hope of everlasting life, but in the cross. Take up therefore thy cross and follow Jesus.^ and thou shalt go into life everlasting. He went before, bearing His cross,- and died for thee on the cross ; that thou mightest also bear thy cross and desire to die on the cross with Him. For if thou be dead with Him, thou shalt also live with Him. And if thou be His companion in punishment, thou shalt be partaker with Him also in glory. ^ 3. Behold ! in the cross all doth consist, and all lieth in our dying thereon ; for there is no other way unto life, and unto true inward peace, but the way of the holy cross, and of daily mortification. Go where thou wilt, seek whatsoever thou unit, thou shalt not find a higher way above, nor a safer Avay below, than the way of the holy cross. Dispose and order all things according to thy ' Luke xiv. 27. -' John xix. 17. "* 2 Cor. i. 5. I MIT A TION OF CHRIS T. 131 will and judgment ; yet thou shalt ever find, that of necessity thou must suffer somewhat, either willingly or against thy will, and so thou shalt ever find the cross. For either thou shalt feel pain in thy body, or in thy soul thou shalt suffer tribulation. 4. Sometimes thou shalt be forsaken of God, sometimes thou shalt be troubled by thy neigh- bours ; and, what is more, oftentimes thou shalt be wearisome to thyself. Neither canst thou be delivered or eased by any remedy or comfort ; but so long as it pleaseth God, thou must bear it. For God \\'\\\ have thee learn to suffer tribu- lation without comfort ; and that thou subject thyself wholly to Him, and by tribulation become more humble. No man hath so in his heart a sympathy with the passion of Christ, as he who hath suffered the like himself. The cross therefore is always ready, and every where waits for thee. Thou canst not escape it, whithersoever thou runnest ; for wheresoever thou goest, thou earnest thyself with thee, and shalt ever find thyself. Both above and below, without and within, which way soever thou dost turn thee, every where thou shalt find the cross ; and every where of necessity thou must hold fast patience, if thou K 2 132 IMITATION OF CHRIST. wilt have inward peace, and enjoy an everlasting crown. 5. If thou bear the cross cheerfully, it will bear thee, and lead thee to the desired end, namely, where there shall be an end of suffering, though here there shall not be. If thou bear it unwillingly, thou makest for thyself a burden, and increasest th\- load, which yet notwithstanding thou must bear. If thou cast away one cross, without doubt thou shalt find another, and that perh;ips more heavy. 6. Thinkest thou to escape that which no mor- tal man could ever avoid ? Which of the saints in the world was without crosses, and tribulation ? For not even our Lord Jksus Christ was ever one hour without the anguish of His Passion, so long as He lived. "Christ" (saith He) "must needs suffer, and rise again from the dead, and so enter into His glory." ^ And how dost thou seek any other way than this royal way, which is the way of the holy cross ? 7. Christ's whole life was a cross and martyr- dom : and dost thou seek rest and joy for thyself? Thou art deceived, thou art deceived if thou seek any other thing than to suffer tribulations ; for this whole mortal life is full of miseries,- and marked on every side with crosses. ' Luke xxiv. 26. - Job vii. I. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 133 And the higher a person hath advanced in the Spirit, so much the heavier crosses he oftentimes findeth ; because the orief of his banishment increaseth with his love to God. 8. Nevertheless this man, though so many ways afflicted, is not without refreshing comfort, for that he perceiveth very much benefit to accrue unto him by the bearing of his own cross. For whilst he willingly putteth himself under it, all the burden of tribulation is turned into the confidence of divine comfort. And the more the flesh is wasted by affliction, so much the more is the spirit strengthened by inward orrace. And sometimes he is so comforted with the desire of tribulation and adversity, for the love of conformity to the cross of Christ, that he would not wish to be without grief and tribulation ; ^ because he believes that he shall be unto God so much the more acceptable, the more and the more grievous things he is permitted to sufftr for Him. This is not the power of man, but it is the grace of Christ, which can and doth so much in frail flesh ; so that what naturally it always abhors and fl(,'es from, that through fervour of spirit it encounters and loves. 9. It is not according to man's inclination to bear the cross, to love the cross, to chastise the ' 2 Coi-. iv. 16 ; xi. 25 jo. 13+ 1 Mil AT ION OF CHRIST. body and bring it into subjection, to flee honours, willingly to suffer contumelies, to despise oneself and to wish to be despised, to endure all adver- sities and losses, and to desire no prosperity in this world. If thou look to thyself, thou shalt be able of thyself to accomplish nothing of this kind.^ But if thou trust in the Lord, strength shall be given thee from heaven, and the world and the flesh shall be made subject to thy command. Neither shalt thou fear thine enemy the devil, if thou be armed with faith, and signed with the cross of Christ. lo. Set thyself therefore, like a good and faithful servant of Christ, to bear manfully the cross of thy Lord, who out of love was crucified for thee. Prepare thyself to bear many adversities and divers kinds of troubles in this miserable life ; for so it will be with thee, wheresoever thou art, and so surely thou shalt find it, wheresoever thou hide thyself. So it must be ; nor is there any remedy nor means to escape from tribulation and sorrow, bat only to endure them. Drink of the Lord's cup ^ with hearty affection, if thou desire to be His friend, and to have part with Him, ' 2 Cor. iii. 5. - Matt. xx. 2j : John xviii. 1 i. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 135 As for comforts, leave them to God ; let Him do therein as shall best please Him. But do thou set thyself to suffer tribulations, and account them the greatest comforts ; for the sufferings of this present time, although thou alone couldst suffer them all, cannot worthily deserve the glory which is to come. 11. When thou shalt come to this estate, that tribulation ^ shall seem sweet, and thou shalt relish it for Christ's sake ; then think it to be well with thee, for thou hast found a paradise upon earth. As long as it is grievous to thee to suffer, and thou desirest to escape, so long shalt thou be ill at ease, and the desire of escaping tribulation shall follow thee every where. 12. If thou dost set thyself to that thou oughtest, namely, to suffering and to death, it will quickly be better with thee, and thou shalt find peace. Although thou shouldst have been rapt even unto the third heaven with Paul,- thou art not by this secured that thou shalt suffer no adversity. "I will shew him" (saith Jksus) "how great things he must suffer for my nanie."''^ It remaineth therefore, that thou suffer, if it please thee to love Jksus, and to serve Him constantly. ' Rom. \-. 3 : (.al. vi. 14. -' 2 Cor. xii. 4. ' Acl^ i.\. 16. 136 IMITATION OF CHRIST. 1 3. O that thou wcji't worlliy to suffer some- thino- for the name of Jesus ! ^ How great glory would remain unto thyself; what joy would arise to all God's saints ; how great edification also to thy neighbour ! For all men recommend patience ; few, however, they are who are willing to suffer. With great reason oughtest thou cheerfully to suffer some little for Christ's sake ; since many suffer more grievous things for the world. 14. Know for certain that thou oughtest to lead a dying life.- And the more any man dieth to himself, so much the more doth he begin to live unto God. No man is fit to comprehend things heavenly, unless he submit himself to the bearing of adversities for Christ's sake. Nothing is more acceptable to God, nothing- more wholesome to thee in this world, than that thou suffer cheerfully for Christ. And if thou couldst choose, thou oughtest rather to wish to suffer adversities for Christ, than to be refreshed with many consolations ; because ihou wouldst thus be more like unto Christ, and more conformable to all the saints. For our worthiness and the growth of our spiritual estate consisteth not in many sweetnesses ' Aclh V. 41. ' iS.tlm \li\-. 22. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 137 and comforts ; but rather in the patient enduring of great afflictions and tribulations, 15. Indeed if there had been any better thing, and more profitable to man's salvation, than suffering, surely Christ would have shewed it by word and example. For both the disciples that followed Him, and also all who desire to follow Him, He plainly exhorteth to the bearing of the cross, and saith, "Jf any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." ^ So that when we have thoroughly read and searched all, let this be the final conclusion, " That through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.""-^ ' Luke ix. 23. -' Acts \i\. 22. "-'**,V. ChXameirc.dsI (-■'i nouota Yn I aVubcGua ^!)C ^bii'b iiooh. OF INTERNAL CONSOLATION. CHAPTER I. Of Cftrists sficdrkii/g ii/i^'aidly to the Faithful Soul. WILL hearken what the Lord God will speak in me.^ Blessed is the soul which hear- eth the Lord speaking- within her,^ and rcceiveth from His mouth the word of consolation. Blessed are the ears that gladly receive the pulses of the Divine whisper,'' and give no heed to the many whisperings of this world. ' I's.ilni Iww. 8. '-' I Sain iii. 9. ■' .\[att. xiii. 16, 17. 142 IMITATION OF CHRIST. Blessed indeed are those ears which hsten not after the voice which is sounding without, but for the Truth teachino; within. Blessed are the eyes which are shut to outward thinfjs, but intent on things within. Blessed are they that enter far into inward things, and endeavour to prepare themselves, more and more, by daily exercises, for the receiving of heavenly secrets. Blessed are they who are glad to have time to spare for God, and who shake off all worldly hindrances. 2. Consider these things, O my soul, and shut up the door of thy sensual desires, that thou mayest hear what the Lord thy God shall speak in thee.^ Thus saith thy Beloved, I am thy Salvation,^ thy Peace, and thy Life : keep thyself with me, and thou shalt find peace. Let go all transitory things, and seek those that be everlasting. What are all temporal things, but snares? and what can all creatures avail thee, if thou be forsaken by the Creator } Bid farewell therefore to all things else, and labour to please thy Creator, and to be faithful unto Him, that so thou mayest be able to attain unto true blessedness. ^ Psalm Ixxxv. 8. - Psalm xxxv. 3. "V CHAPTER II. 77/^/ //w Tnith spcaketh inivardly ivitJiout noise of Words. \k ^■1^^ ^■^^■1 n 1^ w^^W ^^^ :;^jH W^A Si ^^^ 1^ O -^^^.^ifel i!»s^:SS3K« jttiT'-:^-; PEAK, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.^ I am Thy servant, grant me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies.^ Inch'ne my heart to the words of Thy mouth : let Thy speech distil as the dew. The children of Israel in times past said unto Moses, " Speak thou unto us, and we will hear : let not the Lord speak unto us lest we die." "^ Not so. Lord, not so, I beseech Thee : but rather with the prophet Samuel, I humbly and earnestly entreat, " Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth." ' I Sam. iii. 9. '-^ Psalm cxix. 125. ■* Exod. xx. 19. 144 IMITATION OF CHRIST. Let not jMoses speak unto nie, nor any of the prophets, but rather do thou speak, O Lord God, the inspirer and enh'ghtener of all the prophets ; for thou alone without them canst perfectly in- struct me, but they without thee can profit nothing. 2. They indeed may utter words, but they cannot give the Spirit. Most beautifully do they speak, but if thou be silent, they inflame not the heart. They teach the letter, but thou openest the sense : they bring forth mysteries, but thou un- lockest the meaning of sealed things. They declare thy commandments, but thou helpest us to fulfil them. They point out the way, but thou givest strength to walk in it. They work only outwardly, but thou instructest and enlightenest the heart. They water, but thou givest the increase. They cry aloud in words, but thou impartest understanding to the hearing. 3. Let not Moses therefore speak unto me, but thou, O Lord my God, the everlasting Truth ; lest I die, and prove unfruitful, if I be only warned outwardly, and not inflamed within : Lest it turn to my condemnation, — the word heard and not fulfilled, known and not loved, believed and not observed. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 145 Speak therefore, Lord, for thy servant heareth ; for thou hast the words of eternal life.^ Speak thou unto me, to the comfort, however imperfect, of my soul, and to the amendment of my whole life, and to thy praise and glory and honour everlasting. Jolin vi. 68. CHAPTER III, Tliat tlic Words of God are to be heard loith Hin/iility, and that many xveif^Ji thevi not. \ son, hear my words, words of greatest sweetness, surpassing all the knowledge of the phi- losophers and wise men of this world. " My words are Spirit and Life," ^ and not to be weighed by the understanding of man. They are not to be drawn forth for vain ap- probation, but to be heard in silence, and to be received with all humility and great affection. And I said, Blessed is the man whom thou shalt instruct, O Lord, and shalt teach out of thy ' John vi. 63. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 147 law, that thou mayest give him rest from the evil days,^ and that he be not desolate upon earth. 2. I TAUGHT the prophets from the beginning - (saith the Lord), and cease not, even to this day, to speak to all ; but many are hardened, and deaf to my voice. Most men do more willingly listen to the world than to God ; they sooner follow the desires of their own flesh, than God's good pleasure. The world promiseth things temporal and mean, and is served with great eagerness : I promise things most high and eternal ; and yet the hearts of men remain torpid and insensible. Who is there that in all things serveth and obeyeth me with so great care as the world and its lords are served withal ? Be ashamed, O Sidon, saith the sea.^ And if thou ask the cause, hear wherefore. For a small income a long journey is under- taken ; for everlasting life many will scarce once lift a foot from the ground. The most pitiful reward is sought after ; for a single bit of money sometimes there is shameful contention ; for a vain matter and slight promise men fear not to toil day and night. 3. But, alas ! for an unchangeable good, for an ' Psalm xciv. 12, 13. - Heb. i. i. ■* Compare Isaiah xxiii. 4. 1. 2 148 IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. inestimable reward, for the highest honour, and glory without end, they grudge ev^en the least fatigue. Be ashamed, therefore, thou slothful and com- plaining servant, that they are found to be more ready to destruction than thou to life. They rejoice more in vanity than thou dost in the truth. Sometimes, indeed, they are frustrated of their hope ; but my promise deceiveth none,^ nor sendeth him away empty that trusteth in me. What I have promised, I will give ; what I have said I will fulfil ; if only any man remain faithful in my love even to the end. I am the rewarder of all ""ood men,^ and the strong approver of all who are devoted to me. 4, Write thou my words in thy heart, and meditate diligently on them ; for in time of temptation they will be very needful for thee. What thou understandest not when thou readest, thou shalt know in the day of visitation. In two ways I am wont to visit mine elect, namely, with temptation and with consolation. And I daily read two lessons to them, one in reproving their vices, another in exhorting them to the increase of all virtues. He that hath my words and despiseth them, hath one that shall judge him in the last day. ' Rom. i. 16 ; Matt. xxiv. 35. -' Rev. ii. 23 ; Matt. v. 6 ; xxx. 21. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 149 5. A Prayer to implore the grace of Devotion. O Lord my God ! Thou art to me whatsoever is good. And who am I, that I should dare to speak to thee ? ^ I am thy poorest, meanest servant, and a most vile worm, much more poor and contemptible than I can or dare express. Yet do thou remember, O Lord, that I am nothing, have nothing, and can do nothing. Thou alone art good, just, and holy; thou canst do all things, thou accomplishest all things, thou fillest all things, only the sinner thou leavest empty. Remember thy mercies, and fill my heart with thy grace, thou who wilt not that thy works should be void and in vain. 6. How can I bear up myself in this miserable life, unless thou strengthen me with thy mercy and grace ? Turn not thy face away from me ; - delay not thy visitation ; withdraw not thy consolation, lest my soul become as a thirsty land. Teach me, O Lord, to do thy will ; ^ teach me to live worthily and humbly in thy sight ; for thou art my wisdom, thou dost truly know me, and didst know me before the world was made, and before I was born into the world. ' Gen. xviii. 27 ; i Sam. xviii. 18, 23. 2 Psalm Ixix. 17. •' Psalm cxliii. 10. CHAPTER IV. TJiat zve oiigJit to live in TrntJi and Hniiiility before God. \ son, walk thou Ijefore me in truth, and ever seek me in simpHcity of thy heart.^ He that walketh before me in truth, shall be defended from the assaults of evil, and the truth shall set him - free from seducers, and from the slanders of unjust men. If the truth shall have made thee free, thou shalt be free indeed, and shalt not care for the vain words of men. O Lord, it is true. According as thou sayest : so, I beseech thee, let it be with me ; let thy truth teach me, guard me, and preserve me safe to the end. Let it set me free from all evil affection and inordinate love ; and I shall walk with thee in great liberty of heart. (icn. x\ ii. I ; Wis. i. i. ^ lolin \iii. ^2. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 151 2, I \viLL teach thee (saith the Truth) those things which are right and pleasing in my siofht. Reflect on thy sins with great displeasure and grief; and never esteem thyself to be anything, because of any good works. In truth thou art a sinner ; thou art subject to and encumbered with many passions. Of thyself thou always tendest to nothing ; speedily art thou cast down, speedily overcome, speedily disordered, speedily dissolved. Thou hast nothing whereof thou canst glory,^ but many things for which thou oughtest to account thyself vile ; for thou art much weaker than thou art able to comprehend. 3. And therefore let nothing seem much unto thee whatsoever thou doest. Let nothing seem great, nothing precious and wonderful, nothing worthy of estimation, nothing high, nothing truly commendable, and to be desired, but that alone which is eternal. Let the eternal truth be above all things pleasing to thee : Let thine own extreme un- worthiness be always displeasing to thee. Fear nothing, blame nothing, flee nothing, so much as thy vices and sins ; which ought to be more unpleasing to thee than any losses whatso- ever of things earthly. ' I Cor. iv. 7. IMITATION OF CHRIST. Some walk not sincerely in my siglit,'^ but out of curiosity and pride desire to know my secrets, and to understand the high things of God, neg- lectinor themselves and their own salvation. These oftentimes, when I oppose myself to them, for their pride and curiosity do fall into great temptations and sins. 4. Fear thou the judgments of God, and dread the wrath of the Almighty. Discuss not thou the works of the Most High, but search diligently thine own iniquities, in how great things thou hast offended, and how many good things thou hast neglected. Some place their devotion onl)- in books, some in pictures, some in outward signs and figures. Some have me in their mouths, but little in their hearts.- Others there are who, being illuminated in their understandings, and purged in their affection, do always pant after things eternal, are unwilling to hear of the things of this world, and serve the necessities of nature with grief; and these perceive what the Spirit of truth speaketh in them.^ For He teacheth them "to despise earthly, and to love heavenly things ; to neglect the world, and to desire heaven all the day and night. ^ ' Ecclus. iii. 21 23 ; 2 Cor. ii. 17. " Isaiah xxix. 13. ^ Psalm XXV. 5. ' Tsalm i. 2. CHAPTER V. Of the ivonderfid effect of Divine Love. BLESS thee, O Heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, for that thou hast vouchsafed to remember me a poor creature. O Father of mercies, and God of all comfort,^ thanks be unto thee, who sometimes with thy comfort refreshest me, un- worthy as I am of all comfort, I will always bless and glorify thee, with thine only-begotten Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, for ever and ever. Ah, Lord God, thou holy lover of my soul, when thou comest into my heart, all that is within me shall rejoice. Thou art m)- glory and the exultation of my 1 2 Cor. i. 3. 154 IMITATION OF CHRIST. heart : Thou art my hope and refuge in the day of my tribulation.^ 2. But because I am as yet weak in love, and imperfect in virtue, I have need to be strengthened and comforted by thee ; visit me therefore often, and instruct me with all holy discipline. Set me free from evil passions, and heal my heart of all inordinate affections : that being inwardly cured and thoroughly cleansed, I may be made fit to love, courageous to suffer, steady to persevere. 3. Love is a great thing, yea, a great and thorough good ; by itself it makes every thing that is heavy, light : and it bears evenly all that is uneven. For it carries a burden which is no burden, - and makes every thing that is bitter, sweet and savoury. The noble love of Jesus impels a man to do great things, and stirs him up to be always longing for what is more perfect. Love desires to be on high, and will not be kept back by anything low and mean. Love desires to be free, and estranged from all worldly affections, that so its inward sight may not be hindered ; that it may not be entangled by any temporal prosperity, or subdued by any adversity. ' Psalm xxxii. 7 ; lix. 16. '•' Malt. xi. 30. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 155 Nothino- is sweeter than love, nothinof more couraofeous, nothine hiofht^r, nothlnof wider, no- thing more pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in heaven and earth ; because love is born of God, and cannot rest but in God, above all created things. 4, He that loveth, flieth, runneth and rejoiceth ; he is free and is not bound. He giveth all for all, and hath all in all ; because he resteth in One Highest above all things, from whom all that is good flows and proceeds. He respecteth not the gifts, but turneth himself above all goods unto the giver. Love oftentimes knoweth no bounds, but is fervent beyond all measure. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse of impossibility ; for it thinks all things lawful for itself and all things possible. It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many things, and brings them to a conclusion, where he who does not love, faints and lies down, 5. Love w^atcheth, and, sleeping, slumbereth not,i Though weary, love is not tired ; though pressed, it is not straightened ; though alarmed, ' Isnni. viii. 19. 156 I MIT ATI ox OF CHRIST. it is not confounded : but as a lively flame and burning torch, it forces its way upwards, and securely passes through all. If any man love, he knoweth what is the cry of this voice. For it is a loud cry in the ears of God, this ardent affection of the soul which saith, " My God, my Love, Thou art all mine, and I am all thine." , 6. Enlarge thou me in love, that, with the inward palate of my heart, I may taste how sweet it is to love, and to be dissolved, and as it were to bathe myself in thy love. Let me be possessed by love, mounting above myself, through excessive fervour and admiration. Let me sing the song of love, let me follow thee, my Beloved, on high ; let my soul spend itself in thy praise, rejoicing through love. Let me love thee more than myself, and love myself only for thee ; and in thee all that truly love thee, as the law of love commandeth, shining out from thyself. 7. Love is active, sincere, affectionate, plea- sant, and amiable ; courageous, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, manly, and never seeking itself^ For in whatever instance a person seeketh him- self, there he falleth from love.^ Love is circumspect, humble, and upright ; not ' I Cor. xiii. 5. - i Cor. x. 33 ; I'hil. ii. 21. IMITATION OF CHRIST. ^n yielding to softness, or to levity, nor attending to vain things ; it is sober, chaste, steady, quiet, and guarded in all the senses. Love is subject, and obedient to its superiors ; unto itself mean and despised, unto God devout and thankful, trusting and hoping always in Him, even then when God imparteth no relish of sweet- ness unto it : for without sorrow none liveth in love. 8. He that is not prepared to suffer all things, and to stand to the will of his Beloved, is not worthy to be called a lover. A lover ought to embrace willingly all that is hard and distasteful for the sake of his Beloved ; and not to turn away from Him on account of any contradictions. CHAPTER VI. Of the proving of a true Lover. I' Y son, thou art not yet a cou- rageous and considerate lover. Wherefore sayest Thou this, O Lord ? Because for a sHght op- position thou givest over thy undertakings, and too eagerly seekest consolation. A courageous lover standeth firm in tempta- tions, and giveth no credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy. As I please him in prosperity, so in adversity I am not unpleasing to him.^ 2. A wise lover regardeth not so much the gilt of him who loves him, as the love of the giver. ' I'hil. iv 1 1 — 13. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 1 59 He esteems the good will rather than the value of the gift, and sets all gifts below him whom he loves. A noble-minded lover resteth not in the gift, but in me above every gift. All therefore is not lost, if sometimes thou thinkest less of me or my saints than thou wouldest. That good and sweet affection which thou sometimes feelest, is the effect of grace present, and a sort of foretaste of thy heavenly home : but hereon thou must not lean too much, for it cometh and goeth. But to strive against evil thoughts which may befall thee, and to reject ^ with scorn the sug- gestions of the devil, is a notable sign of virtue, and shall have great reward. 3. Let no strange fancies therefore trouble thee, which on any subject whatever may crowd into thy mind. Keep thy purpose with courage, and preserve an upright intention towards God. Neither is it an illusion that sometimes thou art suddenly rapt on high, and presently returnest again unto the accustomed vanities of thy heart. For these thou dost rather unwillingly suffer, than commit : and so long as they displease thee, and thou strivcst against them, it is matter of reward, and not of loss. ' Matt. iv. 10. i6o I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 4. Know that the old enemy doth strive by all means to hinder thy desire to good, and to divert thee from all religious exercises ; particularly, from the reverent estimation of God's saints, from the devout commemoration of my Passion, from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from the guard of thine own heart, and from the firm purpose of advancing in virtue. Many evil thoughts does he suggest to thee, that so he may cause a wearisomeness and horror in thee, to call thee back from prayer and holy reading. Humble confession is displeasing unto him ; and if he could, he would cause thee to cease from Holy Communion. Trust him not, nor heed him, althoug-h he should often set snares of deceit to entrap thee. Charge him with it, \yhen he suggesteth evil and unclean thoughts unto thee ; say unto him, " Away thou unclean spirit ! ^ blush thou miser- able wretch ! most unclean art thou that bringst such things unto mine ears. " Begone from me, thou wicked seducer ! thou shalt have no part in me : but Jesus shall be with me as a strong warrior, and thou shalt stand confounded. " I had rather die, and undergo any torment, than consent unto thee. Matt. iv. 10 ; xvi. 2],. IMITATION OF CHRIST. i6i "Hold thy peace and be silent; I will hear thee no more, though thou shouldst work me many troubles. ' The Lord is my Light and my Salvation, whom shall I fear ? ' ^ " Though an host of men rose against me, yet should not my heart be afraid. The Lord is my Helper and my Redeemer." 5. Fight like a good soldier : ^ and if thou sometimes fall through frailty, take again greater strength than before, trusting in my more abun- dant grace : and take great heed of vain pleasing of thyself, and of pride. Pride brings many into error, and makes them sometimes fall into blindness almost incurable. Let the fall of the proud, thus foolishly pre- suming on their own strength, serve thee for a warning, and keep thee ever humble. 1 Psalm xxvii. i. Psalm xxvii. 14 ; i Tim. vi. 12. M CHAPTER VII. That Grace is to be guarded by Hiiuiility. P^s^^tT'^MI Y son, it is more profitable for • 7 ^ l./f thee and more safe, to conceal the grace of devotion ; not to lift thyself on high, nor to speak much thereof, nor to dwell much thereon ; but rather to despise thyself, and to fear lest the grace have been given to one unworthy of it. This affection thou must not too earnestly cleave unto, for it may be quickly changed to the contrary. Think when thou art in grace, how miserable and needy thou art wont to be without grace. Nor is it in this only that thy progress in spiritual life consists, that thou hast the grace of comfort ; but rather that with humility, self-denial, IMITATION OF CHRIST. 163 and patience, thou endurest the withdrawing thereof; provided thou do not then become Hstless in the exercise of prayer, nor suffer the rest of thy accustomed duties to be at all neglected. Rather do thou cheerfully perform what lieth in thee, according to the best of thy power and understanding ; and do not wholly neglect thyself because of the dryness or anxiety of mind which thou feelest. 2. For there are many who, when things succeed not well with them, presently become impatient or slothful. For the way of man is not always in his power,^ but it belongeth unto God to give, and to comfort, when he will, and how much he will, and whom he will ; as it shall please him, and no more. Some unadvised persons, by reason of their over-earnest desire of the grace of a devoted life, have overthrown themselves ; because they at- tempted more than they were able to perform, not weighing the measure of their own weakness, but following the desire of their heart rather than the judgment of their reason. And because they dwelt on greater matters than was pleasing to God, they therefore quickly lost his grace. They who had built themsehes nests - in ' Jcr. X. 23; Rom. ix. 16. - Isaiah xiv. 13. M 2 i64 IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. heaven were made helpless and vile outcasts ; to the end that being humbled and impoverished, they might learn not to fly with their own wings, but to trust under my feathers. They that are yet but novices and inexperienced in the way of the Lord, unless they govern them- selves by the counsel of discreet persons, may easily be deceived and broken to pieces. 3. And if they will rather follow their own notions than trust to others who are more ex- perienced, their end will be dangerous, at least if the)' are unwilling to be drawn away from their own conceit. It is seldom the case that they who are wise in their own conceit endure humbly to be governed by others. Better is it to have a small portion of good sense, with humility ^ and a slender understanding, than great treasures of science with vain self- complacency. Better it is for thee to have little, than much of that which may make thee proud. He acts not very discreetly, who wholly gives himself over to joy, forgetting his former helpless- ness, and that chastened fear of the Lord, which is afraid of losingf the ""race which hath been offered. Nor again is he very valiantly wise who, in ' Psalm xvi. 2 ; \vi. m. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 165 time of adversity or any heaviness, at once yields too much to despairing thoughts, and reflects and thinks of me less trustfully than he ought. 4. He who in time of peace is willing to be over secure^ shall be often found in time of war too much dejected and full of fears. If thou couldest alwa)s continue humble and moderate within thyself, and also couldest thoroughly moderate and govern thy spirit, thou wouldst not so quickly fall into danger and offence. It is good counsel, that when fervour of spirit is kindled within thee, thou shouldst con- sider how it will be, when that hVht shall leave thee. And when this happeneth, then remember that the light may return again, which, as a warning to thyself, and for mine own glory, I have withdrawn for a time.- 5. Such trials are oftentimes more profitable, than if thou shouldst always have things prosper according to thy will. For a man's worthiness Is not to be estimated by the number of visions and comforts which he may have, or by his skill in the Scriptures, or b)- his being placed in high station. But if he be grounded in true humility, and full of divine charity ; if he be always purely and ' 1 Thes. V. 6. - Job vii. 1 66 I MIT AT I OX OF CHRIST. sincerely seekini^ God's honour ; if he think nothing of and unfeignedly despise himself,^ and even rejoice more to be despised and made low by others, than to be honoured by them. ' Psalm Ixxxiv. lo. CHAPTER VIII. Of a mean conceit of ourselves in the sight of God. HALL I speak unto my Lord, who am but dust and ashes ? ^ If I esteem myself to be any thing more, behold, Thou stand- est against me, and my iniquities bear true witness, and I cannot contradict it. But if I abase myself, and reduce myself to nothing, and shrink from all self-esteem, and grind myself to the dust I am, thy grace will be favour- able to me, and thy light near unto my heart ; and all self-esteem, how little soever, shall be swallowed up in the valley of my nothingness, and perish for ever. There thou shewest thyself unto me, what I am, what I have been, and whither I am come ; for I am nothing, and I knew it not. If I be left to myself, behold, I become nothing ' Gen. xviii. 27. 1 68 IMITATION OF CHRIST. but mere weakness ; but if thou for an instant look upon me, I am forthwith made strong, and am filled with new joy. And a great marvel it is, that I am so suddenly lifted up, and so graciously embraced by thee, who of mine own weight am always sinking downward. 2, Thy love is the cause hereof, freely pre- venting me, and relieving me in so many neces- sities, guarding me also from pressing dangers, and snatching me (as I may truly say) from evils out of number. For indeed by loving myself amis.s, I lost myself;^ and by seeking thee alone, and purely loving thee, I have found both myself and thee, and by that love have more deeply reduced myself to nothing. Because thou, O dearest Lord, dealest with me above all desert, and above all that I dare hope or ask. 3. Blessed be thou, my God : for although I be unworthy of any benefits, yet thy royal bounty and infinite goodness never cease to do good even to the ungrateful, ^ and to those who are turned away far from thee. Turn thou us unto thee, that we may be thank- ful, humble, and devout ; for thou art our salvation, our courage, and our strength. ' John \ii. 25. -' Matt. \. 45. CHAPTER IX. That all things are to be referred unto God, as their last end. Y son, I ought to be thy supreme and ultimate end, if thou desire to be truly blessed. By this intention thy affec- tions will be purified, which are too often inordinately inclined to selfishness and unto creatures. For if in any thing thou seekest thyself, im- mediately thou faintest and driest up. I would therefore thou shouldst refer all things principally unto me, for I am He who have given all. Consider every thing as flowing from the Highest Good;^ and therefore unto me as their original all must be brought back. ' Kcclus. i. 5. I70 IMITATION OF CHRIST. 2. From me, as from a living fountain, the small and the great, the poor and the rich, do draw the water of life ; ^ and they that willingly and freely serve me shall receive grace for grace. But he who desires to glory in things out of me,^ or to take pleasure in some private good, shall not be grounded in true joy, nor be enlarged in his heart, but shall many ways be encumbered and straitened. Thou oughtest therefore to ascribe nothing of good to thyself, nor do thou attribute goodness unto any man ; but give all unto God, without whom man hath nothing. I have given thee all,^ and my will is to have thee all again ; and with great strictness do I exact from thee a return of thanks. 3. This is the truth whereby vain-glory is put to flight. And if heavenly grace enter in and true charity, there will be no envy nor narrowness of heart, neither will self-love busy itself For divine charity overcometh all things, and enlargeth all the powers of the soul. If thou rightly judge, thou wilt rejoice in me alone, in me alone thou wilt hope ; for none is good save God alone,* who is to be praised above all things, and in all to be blessed. ' John iv. 14. " I Cor. i. 29. •* i Cor. iv. 6. ^ Matt. xix. 17 ; Luke xviii 12. CHAPTER X. That to despise the World and serve God, is szveet. OW I will speak again, O Lord, and will not be silent ; I will say in the ears of my God, my Lord, and my King, who is on high : '■ O how great is the abundance of thy goodness, O Lord, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee." ^ But what art thou to those who love thee ? what to those who serve thee with their whole heart ? Truly unspeakable is the sweetness of con- templating thee, which thou bestowest on them that love thee. In this especially thou hast shewed me the sweetness of thy love : that when I was not, thou 1 I'salni \xxi. 19. 172 IMITATION OF CHRIST. madest me ; when I went far astray from thee, thou broughtest me back again, that I might serve thee ; and that tliou hast commanded me to love thee/' 2. () fountain of love unceasing, what shall I sa)' concerning thee ? How can I forget thee, who hast vouchsafed to remember me, even after I had wasted away and perished ? Tiiou hast shewed mcrc)- to thy servant beyond all expectation : and hast exhibited favour and loving-kindness beyond all desert. What return shall I make to thee for this p^race ? ^ For it is not granted to all to forsake all, to renounce the world, and to undertake a life of religious retirement. Is it any great thing that I should serve thee,^ whom the whole creation is bound to serve ? It ought not to seem much to me, to serve thee : but rather this doth appear much to me, and wonderful, that thou vouchsafest to receive into thy service one so poor and unworthy, and to make him one with thy beloved servants. 3. Behold, all things are thine which I have, and whereby I serve thee/ And yet contrariwise, thou rather servest me than I thee. ' (]cn. i. 27 ; Psakn cxix. 73 ; Matl. xv. - Psalm cxvi. i. ^ Judges xvi 15. * i Cor. iv. 7. IMITATIO.X OF CHRIST. ■ 173 Behold, heaven and earth which Thou hast created for the service of man, are ready at hand, and do daily perform whatever thou hast com- manded. And this is little : Thou hast moreover also appointed angels to minister to man.^ But that which excelleth all is this, that thou thyself hast vouchsafed to serve man, and hast promised that thou wouldst give thyself unto him. 4. What shall I give thee for all these thou- sands of benefits ^ I would I could serve thee all the days of my life. I would I were able, at least for one day, to do thee some worthy service. Truly thou art worthy of all service, of all honour, and everlasting praise. Truly thou art my Lord, and I thy poor servant, who am bound to serve thee with all my might, neither ought I ever to be weary of praising thee. And this I wish to do, this I desire : and whatsoever is wanting unto me, do thou, I beseech thee, vouchsafe to supply. 5. It is a great honour, and a great glory, to serve thee, and to despise all things for thee. For great grace shall be given to those who shall have willingly subjected themselves to thy most holy service. ^ r^alin xci. i 1 : llcb. i. 14. 174 ■ IMITATION OF CHRIST. They who for thy love shall have renounced all carnal delights, shall find the sweetest consolations of the Holy Ghost.^ They shall attain great freedom of mind, who for thy Name's sake enter into the narrow way,"^ and have left off all worldly care. 6. O sweet and delightfid service of God,'^ by which a man is made truly free and holy ! O sacred state of religious service, which makes a man equal to the angels, pleasing to God, terrible to devils, and worthy to be commended of all the faithful ! O welcome service and ever to be desired, in which we are rewarded with the Greatest Good, and attain to joy which shall endlessly remain with us ! Matt. xix. 2g. - Matt. vii. 14. '^ Matt. xi. 30 ; i John v. 3. CHAPTER XI. TJiat the Longings and Desires of onr Hearts are to be examined and moderated. Y son, thou must still learn many things, which thou hast not yet well learned. What are these, O Lord ? That thou frame thy de- sires ^ wholly according to my good pleasure ; and that thou be not a lover of thyself, but an earnest follower of my will. Various longings and desires oftentimes inflame thee, and drive thee forwards with vehemence : but do thou consider whether thou be not moved rather for thine own advantage, than for my honour. ' I'salm cviii. i ; Matt. vi. lo. 176 IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. If I be the cause, thou wih be well content howsoever I shall ordain ; but if there lurk in thee any self-seeking,^ behold, this it is that hindereth thee and weigheth thee down. 2. Beware therefore thou lean not too much upon any desire, conceived wjthout asking my counsel, lest perhaps afterwards it repent thee, or thou be displeased with that which at first pleased thee, and which thou desiredst earnestly, as the best. For not every affection which seems good is immediately to be followed ; nor on the other hand is every contrary affection at the first to be avoided. It is sometimes expedient to use a restraint even in good desires and endeavours, lest through unseasonable effort thou incur distraction of mind ; lest by thy want of self-government thou beget a scandal unto others ; or again, being by others thwarted and resisted, thou become suddenly confounded, and so fall. 3. Sometimes however thou must use violence,^ and resist manfully thine appetite, not regarding what the flesh would or would not ; ^ but rather taking pains that even 2:>erforce it may be made subject to the Spirit* And so long ought it to be chastened and to be ' I'hil. ii. 2\. - I'hil. ii. 11. ' Rom. Mil. I -13 ; 2 Cor. i\-. 10 ; \. 3. ' i Cor. ix. 27. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 177 forced to remain under servitude, until it be prepared for every thing, and learn to be content with a little, and to be pleased with plain and simple things, and not to murmur against any inconvenience. CHAPTER XII. Of the groivth of Patience in the Soul, and of striving against Concupiscence. LORD my God, patience is very necessary for me,^ for I per- ceive that many things in this Hfe do fall out as we would not. For whatsoever plans I shall devise for my own peace, my life cannot be without war and affliction.^ It is so, my son. But my will is, that thou seek not that peace which is void of temptations, or which suffereth nothing contrary : but rather think that thou hast found peace, when thou art exercised with sundry tribulations,-^ and tried in many adversities. 2. If thou say, that thou art not able to suffer much, how then wilt thou endure the fire here- after ? ' Heb. X. 36. - Job vii. i. ' James i. 2. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 179 Of two evils the less is alway to be chosen. That thou mayest therefore avoid the everlasting punishment that is to come, endeavour to endure present evils patiently for God's sake. Dost thou think that the men of this world suffer nothing or but as little ? Ask even of those who live most at ease, and thou shalt find it otherwise. But thou wilt say, they have many delights, and follow their own wills, and therefore they do not much weiofh their own afflictions. Be it so, that they have whatsoever they will ; but how lonof dost thou think that it will last '^. 3. Behold, the wealthy of this world shall con- sume away like smoke,^ and there shall be no memory of their past joys ! Yea, even while they are yet alive, they do not rest in them without bitterness, and weariness, and fear. For from the self-same thing in which they delight they oftentimes receive the penalty of sorrow. And it is but just that having inordinately sought and followed after pleasures, they should enjoy them not without shame and bitterness. 4. O how brief, how f;ilse, how inordinate and base, are all those pleasures. Yet so drunken and blind are men, that tliey ' l\:ilm Iwiii. 2. N 2 i8o IM I TAT I OX OF CHRIST. understand it not ; but like dumb beasts, for the poor enjoyment of a corruptible life, they incur the death of the soul. Thou therefore, my son, " go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites."^ " De- light thyself in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."- 5. For if thou desire true delight, and to be more plentifully comforted by me ; behold, in the contempt of all worldly things, and in the cutting off all base delights, shall be thy blessing, and abundant comfort shall be ofiven thee. And the more thou withdraw thyself from all solace of creatures, so much the sweeter and more powerful consolations shalt thou find in me. But at the first, thou shalt not without some sadness, iior without a laborious conflict, attain unto them. Old inbred habit will, for a time, resist, but by a better way it shall be entirely overcome. The flesh will murmur against thee ; but with fervency of spirit thou shalt bridle it. The old servant will tempt and trouble thee, but by prayer he shall be put to flight. Moreover also, by useful work thou shalt greatly stop the way against him. ' Ecclus. xviii. 30. - Psalm xxxvii. 4. n ^8P i m '^KA^vi*/', 1 m -is '* g CHAPTER XIII. 0/ Jiuinble Obedience after the Example of Jesjis Christ. V son, he that endeavoureth to withdraw himself from obe- dience, withdraweth himself from grace : and he who seeketh for himself private benefits/ loseth those which are common. He that doth not cheerfully and freely submit himself to his superior, sheweth that his flesh is not as yet perfectly brought into subjection, but oftentimes struggleth and murmureth against him. Learn thou therefore quickly to submit thyself to thy superior, if thou desire to keep thine own flesh under the yoke. For more speedily is the outward enemy over- come, if the inward man be not in disorder. Matt. \vi. 24. 1 82 IMITATION OF CHRIST. There is no worse enemy, nor one more trouble- some to the soul, than thou art unto thyself, if thou be not in harmony with the Spirit. It is altogether necessary that thou conceive a true contempt for thyself, if thou desire to prevail against flesh and blood. 2. Because thou still lovest thyself inordinately, thou art afraid to resign thyself wholly to the wnll of others. And yet, what great matter is it,^ if thou, w^ho art but dust and nothing, subject thyself to a man for God's sake, when I, the Almighty and the Most Hiofhest, wdio created all things of nothinof, humbly subjected myself to man for thy sake ? I became of all men the most humble and the most abject, that thou mightest overcome thy pride with my humility. O dust, learn to be obedient. Learn to humble thyself, thou earth and clay, and to bow thyself down under the feet of all men. Learn to break thine own will, and to yield thyself to all subjection. 3. Be zealous against thyself, and suffer no pride to dwell in thee : but shew thyself so humble and so lowly, that all may be able to walk over thee, and to tread thee down as the mire of the streets. \ ain man, what hast thou to com- plain of ? Luke ii. 7 : Juhn xiii. 14. IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. 183 What canst thou answer, vile sinner, to them that upbraid thee, thou who hast so often offended God, and hast so many times deserved hell ? But mine eye spared thee, because thy soul was precious in my sight ; that thou mightest know my love, and ever be thankful for my benefits ; Also that thou mightest continually give thyself to true subjection and humility, and endure patiently to be despised. '^Mi CHAPTER XIV. Of considering the Secret Judgments of God, that so xve be 710 1 lifted np for anything good in ns. HOU, O Lord, thunderest forth thy judgments over me, thou shakest all my bones with fear and trembling, and my soul is very sore afraid. I stand astonished ; and I consider " 'Iliat the heavens are not pure in thy sight." ^ If in angels thou didst lind wickedness,'^ and didst not spare even them, what shall become of me ? Even stars fell from heaven,^ what then can I presume who am but dust ? They whose works seemed commendable, have ' jol) \v. 15. - Job iv. i.S. ■^ Rev. viii. lo. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 185 fallen into the lowest misery ; and those who did eat the bread of angels/ I have seen delighting themselves with the husks of swine. 2, There is therefore no holiness, if thou, O Lord, withdraw thine hand. No wisdom availeth, if thou cease to guide. No courage helpeth, if thou leave off to defend. No chastity is secure, if thou do not protect it. No vigilance of our own availeth. if thy sacred watchfidness be not present with us. For, if we be left of thee, we sink and perish ; but being visited of thee, we are raised up and live. Truly we are inconstant, but by thee we are established : we wax lukewarm, but by thee we are inflamed. 3. O how humbly and meanly ought I to think of myself ! how ought I to esteem it as nothing, if I seem to have any good in me ! With what profound humility ought I to submit myself to thine unfathomable judgments, O Lord ; where I find myself to be nothing else than nothing, and very nothing ! O weight that cannot be measured ! O sea that cannot be passed over, where I discover nothing of myself save only and wholly nothing ! Where then can glorying hide itself ? where can be trust in mine own virtue ? ' Psalm Ixxviii. 25. 1 86 I Ml TA TIOX OF CHRIST. All vain-glorying is swallowed up in the deep of thy judgments over me. 4. What is all flesh in thy sight ? Shall the clay boast against Him that formed it? How can he be lifted up with vain words, whose heart is truly subject to God ? ^ Not all the world will make him proud, whom the Truth hath subjected unto itself : neither shall he, who hath firmly settled his whole hope in God, be moved by the tongues of all his flatterers. For even they themselves who speak, behold, they all are nothing, for they will pass away with the sound of their words ; but the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.- 1 Isaiah xxix. 16 ; Ecclus. xxiii. 4, 5. - Psalm cxvii. 2. CHAPTER XV. /// everything ii'/iich zve desire, hoiu zve ought to feel, and what ive ongJd to say. Y son, say thou thus in ever}- thing ; Lord, if this be pleasing unto thee, so let it be.^ " Lord, if it be to thy honour, in thy Name let this be done. " Lord, if thou see it to be expedient, and know it to be profitable for me, then grant unto me that I may use this to thine honour. " But if thou know it will l)e hurtful unto me, and no profit to the health of my soul, take away the desire from me." For not every desire proceedeth from the Holy ^ James iii. IMITA TIOi\ OF CHRIST. Spirit, even though it seem unto a man right and good. It is difficult to judge truly whether a good spirit or the contrary be urging thee to desire this or that ; or whether by thine own spirit thou be moved thereunto. Many have been deceived in the end. who at the first seemed to be led by a good spirit. 2. Therefore whatsoever seemeth to be de- sirable, must always be desired and prayed for in the fear of God and with humility of heart ; and chiefly thou must commit the whole matter to me with special resignation of thyself, and thou must say, " O Lord, thou knowest what is best for us, let this or that be done, as thou pleasest. " Give what thou wilt, and how much thou wilt, and when thou wilt. " Deal with me as thou thinkest good, and as best pleaseth thee, and is most for thy honour. " Set me where thou wilt, and deal with me in all things just as thou wilt. " I am in thy hand : turn me round, and turn me back again, as thou shalt please. " Behold, I am thy servant, prepared for all things ; for I desire not to live unto myself, but unto thee ; and O that I could do it worthily and perfectly ! " IMITATION OF CHRIST. 189 A Prayer that the will of God may be fiUfilled. 3. O MOST merciful Jesus, grant to me thy grace, that it may be with me, and work with me,^ and continue with me even to the end. Grant that I may always desire and will that which is to thee most acceptable, and most dear. Let thy will be mine, and let my will ever follow thine, and agree perfectly with it. Let my will be all one with thine, and let me not be able to will, or anything to forego, but what thou wiliest or dost not will. 4. Grant that I may die to all things that are in the world, and for thy sake may love to be contemned, and not be known in this generation. Grant to me above all things that I can desire, to desire to rest in thee, and in thee to have my heart at peace. Thou art the true peace of the heart : thou art its only rest ; out of thee all things are full of trouble and unrest. In this peace, that is, in thee, the one chiefest eternal Good, I will lay me down and sleep. ^ Amen. ' Wisd. ix. 10. ^ Psalm iv. 8. CHAPTER XVI. That true comfort is to be sought iu God alone. '^|pi^fe|irf''HATSOEVER I can desire j^^^^y^^l^; or imagine for my comfort, I l^^^^l^Slk^ • • ^*^^^ ^^^ ^^ '^°^ here but here- "■■tti^^^^SillPi)/' ^°'" '^ ^ alone should pos- ■^r.l^:^j y. . ..^a>. . ^ \>. .^. l\., ^^'^^tE^r'^^'^srESL^^r^rfes' CHAPTER XIX. Of the endurance of Injuries, and of t lie proof of true Patienee. HAT is it thou sayest, my son ? Cease to complain, when thou considerest my Passion, and the sufferings of my other saints. Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood.' It is but little which thou sufferest, in com- parison of those who suffered so much, who were so strongly tempted, so grievously afflicted, so many ways tried and exercised.''^ Thou oughtest therefore to call to mind the more heavy sufferings of others, that so thou mayest the more easily bear thine own very small troubles. And if they seem unto thee not very small, ' lleb. xii. 4. '^ Heb. xi. 37. 19S IMITATION OF CHRIST. then beware lest thine impatience be the cause thereof. However, whether they be small or whether they be great, endeavour patiently to undergo them all, 2. The better thou disposest thyself to suffering, the more wisely thou doest, and the greater reward shalt thou receive. Thou shalt also more easily endure it, if both in mind and by habit thou art diligently prepared thereunto. Do not say, " I cannot endure to suffer these things at the hands of such an one, nor ouofht I to endure things of this sort ; for he hath done me great wrong, and reproacheth me with things which I never thought of; but of another I will willingl)- suffer, that is, if they are things which I shall see I ought to suffer." Such a thought is foolish ; it considereth not the virtue of patience, nor by whom it will be to be crowned ; but rather, weigheth too exactly the persons, and the injuries offered to itself. 3. He is not truly patient, who is willing to suffer only so much as he thinks good, and from whom he pleases. But the truly patient man minds not by whom he is exercised, whether by his superiors, by one of his equals, or by an inferior ; whether by a good and holy man, or by one that is perverse and unworth)'. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 199 But indifferently from every creature, how much soever, or how often soever anything adverse befall him, he takes it all thankfully as from the hands of God, and esteems it great gain : For with God it is impossible that any thing, how small soever, if only it be suffered for God's sake, should pass without its reward. 4. Be thou therefore prepared for the fight, if thou wilt win the victory. Without a combat thou canst not attain unto the crown of patience.^ If thou art unwilling to suffer, thou refusest to be crowned. But if thou desire to be crowned, fight manfully, endure patiently. Without labour there is no rest, nor without fighting can the victory be won. O Lord, let that become possible to me by thy grace, which by nature seems impossible to me. Thou knowest that I am able to suffer but little, and that I am quickly cast drnvn, when a slight adversity ariseth. For thy Name's sake, let every exercise of tribulation be made pleasant unto me ; for to suffer and to be troubled for thy sake, is very wholesome for my soul. ' 2 Tim. ii. 3 — 5. CHAPTER XX. Of the Ackiiowlcdgijig of our (no?i Infirmities ; atid of the Sufferings of this Life. WILL acknowledge my sin unto thee ; ^ I will confess mine in- firmity unto thee, O Lord. Oftentimes a small matter it is that makes me sad and de- jected. 1 resolve to act with courage, but when even a small temptation comes, I am at once in a great strait. It is sometimes a very trifle, whence a great temptation arises. And whilst I think myself safe, and when I least expect it, I sometimes find myself overcome by all but a slight breath. 2. I'ehold therefore, O Lord, my low estate,^ ' Psalm xxxii. 5. - Psalm x\v. iS. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. and my frailty which is in every way known unto thee. Have mercy on me, and dehver me out of the mire, that I may not stick fast therein/ and may not remain utterly cast down for ever. This is that which oftentimes strikes me down, and confounds me in thy sight, that I am so subject to fall, and so weak in resisting my passions. And although I do not altogether consent, yet their continued assaults are troublesome and grievous unto me ; and it is very exceedingly irksome to live thus daily in conflict. Hereby doth my weakness become known unto me, in that hateful fancies do always much more easily invade than forsake me, 3, Most mighty God of Israel, thou zealous lover of faithful souls ! O that thou wouldst consider the labour and sorrow of thy servant, and assist him in all tilings whatsoever he under- taketh. Strengthen me with heavenly courage, lest the old man, the miserable flesh, not as yet fully subject to the spirit, prevail and get the upper hand. Against this it will be needful for me to fight, as long as I breatlic in this miserable life, Alas, what a life is this, where tribulation and ' I'salm Ixix. 14. IMITA TION OF CHRIST. miseries are never wanting ; where all is full of snares, and enemies ! For when one tribulation or temptation goeth, another cometh ; yea and while the first conflict is yet lasting, many others come unexpected one after another. 4. And how can a life be loved that hath so many embitterments, and is subject to so many calamities and miseries ? How too can it be called a life, that begetteth so many deaths and plagues ? And yet it is the object of men's love, and its delights are sought of many. The world is oftentimes blamed for being de- ceitful and vain, and yet men do not easily part with it, because the desires of the flesh bear so great a sway. But some things draw us to love the world, others to contemn it. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life,^ do draw us to the love of the world ; but the pains and miseries, that justly follow them, cause a hatred of the world and a loathing thereof. 5. But alas, the fondness for vicious pleasures overcometh the mind of him who is fjiven to the world ; and he esteemeth it a delioht to be ever under thorns,- because he hath neither seen nor ' I Jolia ii. 16. - Job xxx. 7. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 203 tasted the sweetness of God, and the inward pleasantness of virtue. But they who perfectly contemn the world, and study to live to Cxod under holy discipline, these are not ignorant of the divine sweetness promised to those who truly forsake the world. They also ver)' clearly see how grievously the world erreth, and how it is in many ways deceived. CHAPTER XXI. TJiat zve are to rest in God above all his gifts and benefits. BOVE all things, and in all things, O my soul, thou shalt rest in the Lord alway, for he himself is the everlasting- rest of the saints. Grant me. O most sweet and loving Jesus, to rest in thee, above all creatures,^ above all health and beauty, above all glory and honour, above all power and dignity, above all knowledge and subtilty, above all riches and arts, above all joy and gladness, above all fame and praise, above all sweetness and comfort, above all hope and pro- mise, above all desert and desire : Above all gifts and benefits that thou canst ' Rom. viii. 19--22. IMITATION OF CHRIST. give and impart unto us, above all mirth and joy that the mind of man can receive and feel : Finally, above angels and archangels, and above all the heavenly host, above all things visible and invisible, and above all that thou art not, O my God. 2, Because thou, O Lord my God, art supremely good above all ; thou alone art most high, thou alone most powerful, thou alone most full and sufficient, thou alone most sweet and most full of consolation. Thou alone art most lovely and loving, thou alone most noble and glorious above all things, in whom all good things together both perfectly are, and ever have been, and shall be. And therefore whatsoever thou bestowest on me besides thyself, or revcalest unto me of thyself, or promisest, is but mean and unsatisfying, whilst thou art not seen and not fully obtained. For surely my heart cannot truly rest, nor be entirely contented, unless it rest in thee, and rise above all gifts and all creatures whatsoever, 3. O thou most beloved spouse of my soul, Jesu Christ, thou most pure Lover, thou Lord of all creation ; O that I had the wings of true liberty, that I might flee awa)' and rest in thee 1 1 O when shall it be fully granted nu'. l(i consider I I's.ilm Iv. 6. 2o6 IMITATIOX OF CHRIST. in quietness of mind, and to see how sweet thou art, my Lord God ! When shall I fully gather up myself into thee, that by reason of my love to thee I may not feel myself, but thee alone, above all sense and measure, in a manner not known unto every one ! ^ But now I oftentimes sigh, and bear my un- happiness with grief : Because many evils occur in this vale of miseries, which do often trouble, grieve, and over- cloud me ; often hinder and distract me, allure and entangle me, so that I can have no free access unto thee, nor enjoy the sweet welcomings, which are ever ready for the blessed spirits. O let my sighs move thee and my manifold desolation here on earth. 4. O Jesu, thou brightness of eternal glory, thou comfort of the pilgrim soul, with thee is my tongue without voice, and my very silence spcaketh unto thee. How long doth my Lord delay to come ? Let him come unto me his poor despised servant, and let him make me glad. Let him put forth his hand, and deliver his poor servant from all anofuish. Come, O come ; for without thee I shall have no joyful day nor hour : for thou art my joy, and without thee my table is empty. ' Dan. \. IMITATION OF CHRIST. A wretched creature am I, and as it were imprisoned and loaded with fetters, until thou refresh me with the light of thy presence, and grant me liberty, and shew a friendly countenance toward me. 5. Let others seek what they please instead of thee ; but for me, nothing else doth nor shall delight me, but thou only, my God, my hope, my everlasting salvation. I will not hold my peace, nor cease to pray, until thy grace return again, and thou speak inwardly unto me. Behold, here I am. Behold, I come unto thee, because thou hast called upon me. Thy tears and the desire of thy soul, thy humiliation and thy contrition of heart, have inclined and brought me luito thee. And I said, Lord, I have called thee, and have desired to enjoy thee, being ready to refuse all things for thy sake. For thou first hast stirred me up that I might seek thee. Blessed be thou therefore, O Lord, that hast shewed this goodness to thy servant, according to the multitude of thy mercies. 6. What hath th)- scrxant more to say before thee .'^ he can onl\- Qrcatl)' hiiiuhlc liimsclf in lliy 2o8 IMITATION OF CHRIST. sight, ever mindful of his own iniquity and vileness. For there is none Hke unto thee ^ in all whatso- ever is wonderful in heaven and earth. Thy works are very good, thy judgments true, and by thy providence the universe is governed. Praise therefore and glory be unto thee, O wisdom of the Father : let my mouth, my soul, and all creatures together, praise and bless thee. ' Psalm Ixxxvi. 8. '••: ^ >3..Q,ur CHAPTER XXII. Of tJic remembrance of God's man fold benefits. PEN, O Lord, my heart in thy law, and teach me to walk in thy commandments.^ Grant me to understand thy will, and with great re- verence and diligent consi- deration to remember thy benefits, as well in general as in particular, that henceforward I ma) be able worthily to give thee thanks. But I know and confess, that I am not able, even in the least matter, to give thee due thanks for the favours which thou bestpwest upon mc. I am less than the least of all thy benefits : and when I consider thy noble bount\', the greatness thereof maketh my spirit to faint. 2. All that we have in our soul and bod)-, and ' I'salm cxix. r 2IO IMITATION OF CHRIST. whatsoever we possess outwardly or inwardly, naturally or supernaturally, are thy benefits, and do speak thee bountiful, merciful and good, from whom we have received all good things. Althoug-h one have received more, another less, all notwithstanding are thine, and without thee even the least blessing cannot be had. He that hath received the greatest cannot glory of his own desert, nor extol himself above others, nor insult over the lesser. For he is the greatest and the best who ascribeth least unto himself, and who in renderinof thanks is the most humble and most devout. And he that esteemeth himself viler than all men, and judgeth himself most unworthy, is fittest to receive greater blessings, 3. But he that hath received fewer, ought not to be out of heart, nor to take it grievously, nor to envy them that are enriched with greater store ; but rather to turn his mind to thee, and highly to praise thy goodness, for that thou bestowest thy gifts so bountifully, so freely, and so willingly, without respect of persons. All things proceed from thee, and therefore in all things thou art to be praised. Thou knowest what is fit to be given to every one. And why this man hath less and that man more, it is not for us to judge, but for thee who dost exactly know what is meet for every one. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 4. Wherefore, O Lord God, I even esteem it a great mercy, not to have much of that which out- wardly and in the opinion of men seems worthy of glory and applause. He who considereth the poverty and unworthi- ness of his own person, should be so far from conceiving grief or sadness, or from being cast down thereat, that he rather should take great comfort, and be glad. For thou, O God, hast chosen the poor and humble and the despised of this world for thyself,^ to be thy familiar friends and servants. Witnesses are thine apostles themselves, whom thou hast made princes over all the earth. ^ And yet they lived in the world without com- plaint,'^ so humble and simple, without all malice and deceit, that they even rejoiced to suffer reproach for thy name ; ^ and what the world abhorreth, they embraced with great affection. 5. When therefore a man loveth thee and acknowledgeth thy benefits, nothing ought so to rejoice him as thy will toward hini, and the good pleasure of thine eternal appointment. And herewith he ought to be so contented and comforted, that he would as willingly be the least, as another would wish to be the greatest. He would too be as peaceable and contented in ' 1 Cor. i. 27, 28. ^ Psalm xlv. 16. '' i Thcss. ii. lo. ■• Acts \. 41 I' 2 IMITATION OF CHRIST. the last place as in the first ; as willing to be a despised castaway, of no name or character, as to be preferred in honour before others, and to be greater in the world than they. For thy will and the love of thy glory ought to be preferred before all things, and to comfort him more, and to please him better, than all the benefits which either he hath received or may receive. CHAPTER XXIII. Of four things tJiat bring great inward peace. Y son, now will I teach thee the way of peace and of true libert}'. O Lord, I beseech thee, do as thou sayest, for this is de- ligfhtfiil to me to hear. Be desirous, my son, to do the will of another rather than thine own.^ Choose always to have less rather than more.- Seek always the lowest place, and to be beneath every one.'' Wish always, and pray, that the will of (iod may be wholly fulfilled in thee.' Behold, such a man entereth within the borders of peace and rest. ' Matt. xxvi. 39 ; John v. 30 ; vi. 38. - I Cor. X. 24. •' Luke xiv. 10. ' Malt. vi. 10. 214 IMITATION OF CHRIST. 2. O Lord, this short discourse of thine con- taineth within itself much perfection.^ It is httle in words, but full of meaning, and abundant in fruit. For if it could faithfully be kept by me, I should not be so easily disturbed. For as often as I feel myself unquiet and weighed down, I find that I have strayed from this doctrine. But thou who canst do all thino-s, and ever lovest the profiting of my soul, increase in me thy grace, that I may be able to fulfil thy words, and to work out mine own salvation. A Prayer against evil thouglits. 3. O Lord, my God, be not thou far from me ; my God, haste thee to help me : ^ for there have risen up against me sundry thoughts, and great fears, afflicting my soul. How shall I pass through unhurt ? how shall I break them to pieces ? " I, saith he, will go before thee and will humble the great ones of the earth ; I will open the doors of the prison, and reveal unto thee hidden secrets." '^ Do, O Lord, as thou sayest, and let all evil thoughts fly from before thy face. ' Matt. V. 4S. - Psalm Ixxi. 12. ^ Isaiah xlv. 2, 3. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 215 This is my hope, my one only consolation, to flee unto thee in every tribulation, to trust in thee, to call upon thee from my inmost heart, and to wait patiently for thy consolation. A P^'ayer for mental illimiiiiaiion. 4. O merciful Jesus, enlighten thou me with the brightness of thine inward light, and take away all darkness from the habitation of my heart. Repress thou my many wandering thoughts, and break in pieces those temptations, which so violently assault me. Fight thou strongly for me, and vanquish these evil beasts, these alluring desires of the flesh ; that so peace may be obtained by thy power, and that thine abundant praise may resound in a holy temple, that is, in a pure conscience. Command the winds and tempests ; say unto the sea, be still ; ^ say to the north wind, blow not ; and there shall be a great calm. 5. Send out thy light and thy truth, -^ that they may shine upon the earth ; for until thou enlighten me, I am but as earth without form and void. Pour forth thy grace from above, steep my heart in thy heavenly dew, supply fresh streams of devotion to water the face of the earth, that it may bring forth fruit good and excellent. ' -Matt. viii. 26. - I's.iliu xliii. 3. :i6 I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. Lift thou up ni)' mind which is pressed down by a load of sins, and draw up my whole desire to things heavenly ; that having tasted the sweetness of heavenly happiness, it may be irksome to me even to think of earthly things. 6. Do thou pluck me aw'ay, and deliver me from all the unlastingf comfort of creatures ; for no created thing can fully comfort and quiet my desires. Join thou me to thyself with an inseparable band of love ; for thou, even thou alone, dost satisfy him that loveth thee, and without thee all things are vain and empty. CHAPTER XXIV. Of avoiding curious enquiry into tJie lives of otJiers. Y son, be not curious, nor trouble thyself with idle cares J What is this or that to thee ? follow thou me.^ For what is it to thee, whether that man be such or such, or whether tliis man do or speak this or that ? .Thou shalt not need to answer for others, but shalt give account for thyself;-'^ why therefore dost thou thus entangle th)self ? Behold, 1 know ever)- one, and do see all things that are done under the sun ; also I understand how it is with every one, what he thinks, what he wishes, and at what his intentions aim. ' Ecclus. iii. 23 ; i Tim. v. 13. - John xxi. 22. " (lal. vi. 4. 5. 2l8 IMITA TION OF CHRIST. Unto me therefore all things are to be com- mitted ; but do thou keep thyself in peace, and leave the unquiet to be as unquiet as they will. Whatsoever they shall have done or said, shall come upon themselves, for me they cannot deceive. 2. Be not careful for the shadow of a great name, or for the familiar friendship of many, or for the particular and separate affection of men. For these things both distract the heart, and greatly darken it. W'illingly would I speak my word, and reveal my secrets unto thee, if thou wouldst diligently watch for my coming, and open unto me the door of thine heart. Be thou circumspect, and watchful in prayer, and in all things humble thyself. CHAPTER XXV. IV/ierciu. firm peace of lie art and true spiritual progress consisteth. Y son, I have said ; " Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you. ^ Peace is what all desire, but all do not care for the things that pertain unto true peace. My peace is with the humble and gentle of hearts ; in much patience shall thy peace be. If thou wilt hear me and follow my voice, thou shalt be able to enjoy much peace. What then shall I do, Lord ? In every matter look to thyself, as to what thou doest and what thou sayest ; and direct thy whole ' John xiv. 27. IMITATION OF CHRIST. attention into this, to please me alone, and neither to desire nor to seek any thing besides me. But of the words or deeds of others judge nothing rashly ; neither do thou entangle thyself with thinofs not entrusted unto thee. Thus it may come to pass that thou mayest be little or seldom disturbed. 2. But never to feel any disturbance at all, nor to suffer any trouble of mind or body, belongs not to this life, but to the state of eternal rest. Think not therefore that thou hast found true peace, if thou feel no heaviness ; nor that all is well, when thou art vexed with no adversary ; nor that all is perfect, if all things be done according to thy desire. Neither do thou think at all highly of thyself, nor account thyself to be specially beloved, if thou be in a state of great devotion and sweet- ness ; for it is not by these things that a true lover of virtue is known, nor doth the spiritual progress and perfection of a man consist in these things. 3. Wherein then, O Lord, doth it consist ? In giving thyself up with all thy heart to the di\ine will, not seeking thine own interest, either in Q-reat matters or in small, either in time or in eternity. So shalt thou keep one and the same coun- IMITATION OF CHRIST. tenance, always living thanks both in prosperity and adversity, weighing all things in an equal balance. Be thou so full of courage, and so patient in hope, that when inward comfort is withdrawn, thou mayest prepare thy heart to suffer even greater things ; and do not justify thyself, as though thou ouo-htest not to suffer such and so great afflictions, but justify me in whatsoever I appoint, and cease not to praise my holy name. Then thou walkest in the true and right way of peace, and thou shalt have a sure hope to see my face again with great delight. Now if thou attain to the full contempt of thyself, know that thou shalt then enjoy abundance of peace, as great as this thy state of sojourning is capable of. CHAPTER XXVI. Of the excellency of a free mind, ivliicJi is sooner gained by Jmmble prayer than by study. LORD, it is the business of a perfect man never to with- draw his mind from attentive thought of heavenly things, and thus to pass amidst many- cares without care ; not as one destitute of all feeling, but, by the privilege of a free mind, cleaving to no creature with inordinate affection. 2. I beseech thee, my most gracious God, pre- serve me from the cares of this life, lest I should be too much entangled therein ; and from the many necessities of the body, lest I should be ensnared by pleasure ; and from whatsoever is an obstacle to the soul, lest, broken with troubles, I should be overthrown. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 223 I speak not of those things which worldly vanity so earnestly desireth, but of those miseries, which, as punishments and as the common curse of mortality/ do weigh down and hinder the soul of thy servant, that it cannot enter into the freedom of the Spirit so often as it would. 3. O my God, thou sweetness ineffable, turn into bitterness for me all that carnal comfort, which draws me away from the love of eternal things, and in evil wise allures me to itself by the view of some present good. Let me not be overcome, O Lord, let me not be overcome by flesh and blood ; - let not the world and the brief glory thereof deceive me ; let not the devil and his subtle fraud trip me up. Give me strength to resist, patience to endure, and constancy to persevere. Give me, instead of all the comforts of the world, the most sweet unction of thy Spirit, and, in place of carnal love, pour into my heart the love of thy name. 4. Behold ! meat, drink, clothing, and other necessaries for the support of the body, are burdensome to a fervent spirit. Grant me to use such refreshments moderately, and not to be entangled with an undue desire of them. It is not lawful to cast away all things, because 1 Gen. iii. 17 ; Rom. \ii. 11. - Rom. \ii. 21. 224 IMITATION OF CHRIST. nature needs to be sustained ; but to require superllulties and those things that are merely pleasurable, the hol\- law forbiddeth us ; for then the flesh would rebel against the Spirit. Herein, I beseech thee, let thy hand govern me and teach me, that I may not exceed in any thing. CHAPTER XXVII. TJiat it is love of self zvhich most hiiuicrcth from t/ie chief est good. Y son, thou oiiPfhtest to o-jve all for all, and to be in nothing thine own. \f^ll&^IK"\ Know thou that the love of th)'self doth hurt thee more than anything in the world. According- to the love and affection thou bearest to anything, so doth it cleave unto thee more or less. If thy love be pure,^ simple, and well-ordered, thou shalt be free from bondage. Do not covet that which it is not lawful for thee to have. Do not have that which may hinder thee, and may deprive thee of inward liberty. Strange it is that thou committest not thyself wholly unto me from the bottom of thy heart, together with all things thou canst have or desire. ' Matt. \i. 22. Q 226 IMITA riON OF CHRIST. 1. Why dost thou consume thyself with vain grief ? ^ why dost thou weary thyself with needless cares ? Submit to my good will, and thou shalt suffer no hurt. If thou seek this or that, and wouldst be here or there, the better to enjoy thine own profit and pleasure, thou shalt never be at peace, nor free from trouble of mind. For in every case some- what will be wanting, and in every place there will be some one to cross thee. It profiteth thee not therefore to obtain and multiply any outward things, but rather to despise them, and utterly to root them out from thy heart. And this thou must understand not only of revenues and wealth, but of seekinof after honour also, and of the desire of vain praise, which all must pass away with this world. No place availeth if the spirit of fervour be wanting, neither shall that peace long continue which is sought from without.^ If the state of th)' heart be destitute of a true foundation, that is, if thou stand not steadfast in me, thou mayest change, but shalt not better thyself For when occasion ariseth and is laid hold of, thou wilt find that which thou didst fiee from, and yet more. ' Exodus xviii. iS ; Midi. iv. 9. - Isaiah xli. 13. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 227 A Prayer for a clean heart, and heavenly wisdom. 4. Strengthen me, O God, by the grace of thy holy Spirit^ Grant me to be strengthened with might in the inner man,^ and to empty my heart of all useless care and anguish ; ^ so that I be not drawn away with sundry desires of any thing whatever, whether mean or precious, but that I look on all things as passing away, on myself also as soon to pass away with them. For nothing abideth under the sun, where all things are vanity and vexation of spirit* O how wise is he that so considereth them ! 5. O Lord, grant me heavenly wisdom,^ that I may learn above all things to seek and to find thee, above all things to enjoy and to love thee, and to think of all other things as they really are, according to thy wise ordering. Grant me prudence to avoid him that flattereth me, and to endure patiently him that contradicteth me. Because it is a great part of wisdom not to be moved with every wind of words, ^ nor to give ear to an evil flatterer ; for thus I shall walk securely in the way which I have begun. 1 Psalm li. 12. - Mph. iii. 16. ^ Matt. vi. 34. ^ Eccles. i. 14; ii. i. '' Wiscl. ix. 4. " Epb. iv. 14. Q 2 CHAPTER XXVIII. Against the toiig/ics of slaiuhTCJs. >' -^fwj^n xrT_^-Gr:(^yJXp^'^- Y son, take it not p-rievously if some think ill of thee/ and speak that which thou wouldest not willingly hear. Thou ouorhtest to be the hardest judge of thyself, and to think no man weaker than thyself. If thou dost walk spiritually, thou wilt not much weigh fleeting words. It is no small wisdom to keep silence in an evil time, and in thy heart to turn thyself to me, and not to be troubled by the judgment of men. 2. Let not thy peace depend on the tongues of men ; for, whether they judge well of thee or ill, thou art not on that account otlier than thyself. ' I Cur. iv. 13. I MIT A riON OF CHRIST. 229 Where are true peace and true glory ? are they not in me ? ^ And he that careth not to please men, nor feareth to displease them, shall enjoy much peace. From inordinate love and vain fear ariseth all disquietness of heart and distraction of the mind. ' John xvi. 33. CHAPTER XXIX. Hozv that ivc ought to call upon God, and to bless him, tvhen tribulation is upon us. LESSED be thy Name, O Lord, for ever ; ^ for that it is thy will that this temptation and tribu- lation should come upon me. I cannot escape it, but must needs flee unto thee, that thou maycst help me, and turn it to my good. Lord, I am now in affliction, and it is not well with me, but I am much troubled with the present suffering. And now, O beloved Father, what shall I say ? ^ I am in a strait ; save thou me from this hour. Yet therefore came I unto this hour that thou mightest be glorified, when I shall have been greatly humbled, and by thee delivered. ^ Job i. 21 ; Psalm cxiii. 2. ^ Matt. xxvi. ; John xii. 27. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 231 Let it please thee, Lord, to deliver me ; ^ for, wretched that I am, what can I do, and whither shall I ofo without thee ? Grant me patience, O Lord, even now in this my strait. Help me, my God, and then I will not fear how grievously soever I be afflicted. 2. And now in these my troubles what shall I say ? Lord, thy will be done ! ^ I have well deserved to be afflicted and grieved. Surely I ought to bear it ; and O that I may bear it with patience, until the tempest be over- past, and all be well again, or even better ! But thine omnipotent hand is able to take even this temptation from me, and to assuage the violence thereof, that I utterly sink not under it ; as oftentimes heretofore thou hast done unto me, O my God, my Mercy ! And the more difficult it is to me, so much the more easy to thee is this change of the right hand of the most High. ^ Psalm xxxvii. 40. ^ Matt. vi. 10, CHAPTER XXX. Of craving (Jie divine aid, and of confidence of rccoverins o-racc. Y son, I am the Lord that criveth strength in the clay of tribula- tion.^ Come thou unto me, when it is not well with thee.^ This is that which most of all hindereth heavenly consolation, that thou art too slow in turning th)self unto prayer. For before thou dost earnestly supplicate me, thou seekest in the meanwhile man)- comforts, and lookest for refreshment in outward things. And hence it cometh to pass that all doth little profit thee, until thou well consider that I am he who doth rescue them that trust in mc ; and that ' Nahum i. 7. 2 .Matt. xi. 2S. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 233 out of me there is neither powerful help, nor profitable counsel, nor lasting remedy. But do thou, having now recovered breath after the tempest, gather strength again in the light of my mercies ; for I am at hand (saith the Lord) to repair all, not only entirely, but also abundantly and in most plentiful measure. 2. Is there anything hard to me ? or shall I be like unto one that promiseth and performeth not } ^ Where is thy faith ? stand firmly and with per- severance ; take courage and be patient ; comfort will come to thee in due time. Wait, wait, I say, for me : I will come and heal thee. It is a temptation, this that vexeth thee, and a vain fear, this that affrighteth thee. What else cloth anxiety about the future bring to thee, but sorrow upon sorrow ? " Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof." " It is a vain thing and unprofitable, to be either disturbed or pleased about future things, which perhaps will never come to pass. 3. But it is in the nature of man to be deluded with such imaijinations ; and it is a sicjn of a mind as yet weak to be so easily drawn awa)' by the suggestions of the enemy. For so that he may but delude and deceive thee, he careth not whether it be by true things or ' Matt, xxiii. 35. - Matt. vi. 34. 234 I MIT A TlOy OF CHRIST. by false ; whether he overthrow thee with the love of present things, or the fear of future things. Let not therefore thy heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Trust in me, and put thy confidence in my mercy. ^ When thou thinkest thyself farthest off from me, oftentimes I am nearest unto thee. When thou judgest that almost all is lost, then oftentimes the greatest gain of reward is close at hand. All is not lost, when a thing falleth out against thee. Thou must not judge according to present feeling ; nor so take any grief, or give thyself over to it, from whencesoever it cometh, as though all hopes of escape were quite taken away. 4. Think not thyself wholly left, although for a time I have sent thee some tribulation, or even have withdrawn thy desired comfort ; for this is the way to the kingdom of heaven. And without doubt it is more expedient for thee and for the rest of my servants, that ye be ex- ercised with adversities, than that ye should have all things according to your desires. I know the secret thoughts of thy heart, and that It Is very expedient for thy welfare, that thou be left sometimes without spiritual enjoyment, lest ' I's dm xci. I. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 235 perhaps thou shouldst be puffed up with thy pros- perous estate, and shouldst be wilHng to please thyself in that which thou art not. That which I have given, I can take away ; and can restore it again when I please. 5. When I give it, it is still mine ; when I with- draw it, I take not any thing that is thine ; for every good and every perfect gift is mine.^ If I send thee affliction, or any cross whatsoever, repine not, nor let thy heart fail thee ; I can quickly succour thee, and turn all thy heaviness into joy. Nevertheless I am righteous and greatly to be praised, when I deal thus with thee. 6. If thou be wise, and consider this rightly, thou wilt never mourn so dejectedly for any ad- versity, but rather wilt rejoice and give thanks. Yea, thou wilt account this thine especial joy, that I afflict thee with sorrows, and do not spare thee. " As my Father hath loved me, so have I loved you/' ^ said I unto my beloved disciples ; whom doubtless I sent not out to temporal joys, but to great conflicts ; not to honour, but to contempt ; not to idleness, but to labours ; not to rest, but that they should bring forth nuich fruit willi patience. Remember thou these words, O m)' son ! ' James i. 17. - John xv. 9. CHAPTER XXXI. Of the coiitcDipt of all creatures, in order to find out the Creator. LORD, I stand much in need of yet greater grace, if it be thy will that I should attain to that state, where neither man nor any creature shall be a hindrance unto me. For as long as anything holds me back, I can- not freely take my Hight to thee. He desired to fly freely that said, " Oh that I had wings like a dove ! for then would I flee away and be at rest." ^ What is more quiet than the single eye ? ^ and who more free than he that desireth nothing upon earth ? A man ouo-ht therefore to niount above all ' Psalm Iv. 6. -' Matt. vi. 2: IMITATION OF CHRIST. 237 creatures, and perfectly to renounce himself, and to be in a sort of ecstasy of mind, and to see that thou, the Creator of all things, hast nothing amongst creatures like unto thyself. Unless a man be set free from all creatures, he cannot wholly attend unto divine things. And therefore are there so few contemplative, for that few can wholly withdraw themselves from things created and perishing. 2. To obtain this, there is need of much g"race, to elevate the soul, and carry it away above itself. And unless a man be uplifted in spirit, and be freed from all creatures, and wholly united unto God, whatsoever he knoweth, and whatsoever he hath, is of small account. A long while shall he be little, and lie grovelling below, whoever he be that esteemeth any thing great, save the one only infinite eternal Good. And whatsoever is not of God, is nothing, and ouofht to be accounted of as nothinof. These is great difference between the wisdom of a man devout and taught of God, and the knowledge of a man learned and studious. Far more noble is that learning which Howeth from above, from the divine influence, than that which is painfully gotten by the wit of man. 3. There are many that desire contemplation, but they endeavour not to practise those things that are needful thereunto. 238 I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. A orreat hindrance it is, that men rest in sio-ns and in the things of sense, and Httle heed perfect mortification. I know not what it is, by what spirit we are led, nor what we pretend, we that seem to be called spiritual, that we take so much pains, and are so full of anxiety about transitory and mean things, and so rarely think of our own inward concern- ments with full recollection of mind. 4. Alas, presently, after a slight recollection, we rush into outward things again, and weigh not our works with diligent examination. We heed not where our affections lie, nor bewail the impurity that is in all our actions. For " all flesh had corrupted his way," and therefore did the great deluge ensue. ^ Since, then, the inward affection is much cor- rupted, the action thence proceeding must needs be corrupted also, a proof of the absence of all inward strength. From a pure heart proceedeth the fruit of a good life. 5. We ask how much a man has done : but froni what principle he acts, is not so diligently considered. We enquire whether he be courageous, rich, handsome, skilful, a good writer, a good singer, or a good labourer ; but how poor he is in spirit, how ' (ion. \i. 12 ; vii. 21. I MIT A TION OF CHRIST. 239 patient and meek, how devout and spiritual, is seldom spoken of. Nature respecteth the outward things of a man, grace turneth itself to the inward. The one is often disappointed ; the other hath her trust in God, and so is not deceived. CHAPTER XXXII. Of self -denial , and renouncing every evil appetite. Y son, thou canst not possess perfect liberty unless thou wholly renounce thyself.^ They all are but in fetters who merely seek their own interest, and , are lovers of themselves. Covetous are they, curious, wander- ers, always seeking what is soft and delicate, not the things of Jesus Christ, but oftentimes devising and framinof that which will not continue. For all that is not of God shall perish. Keep this short and complete saying : " For- sake all and thou shalt find all." Forego desire and thou shalt find rest. Consider this well, and when thou hast fulfilled it, thou shalt understand all things. Matt. .\vi. 24 : xi\. 8, 9. IMITATION OF CHRIST. 241 2. O Lord, this is not the work of one day, nor children's sport ; yea rather in this short word is included all perfection. My son, thou oughtest not to turn back, nor at once to be cast down, when thou hearest of the way of the perfect ; but rather to be stirred up to higfher thing-s, and at least in lonoinof desire to sigh after them. I would it were so with thee, that thou wert arrived at this, to be no longer a lover of thyself, but to stand merely at my beck, and at his whom I have appointed a father over thee ; then thou shouldst exceedingly please me, and all thy life should pass away in joy and peace. Thou hast yet many things to part with, which unless thou wholly resign unto me, thou shalt not attain to that which thou desirest. " I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest become rich ; " ^ that is, heavenly wisdom, which treadeth under foot all lower things. Set little by earthly wisdom, and study not to please others or thyself 3. I said, that mean things must be bought with things which, among men, seem precious and of great esteem. For true heavenly wisdom doth seem very ' Kc\. lii. i