OF THE EXERCISES OF A RELIGIOUS MAN
“The life of a Christian ought to be adorned with all virtues, that he may be inwardly what he outwardly appears unto men. And verily it should be yet better within than without, for God is a discerner of our heart, Whom we must reverence with all our hearts wheresoever we are, and walk pure in His presence as do the angels. We ought daily to renew our vows, and to kindle our hearts to zeal, as if each day were the first day of our conversion, and to say, “Help me, O God, in my good resolutions, and in Your holy service, and grant that this day I may make a good beginning, for thus far, I have done nothing!”
According to our resolution so is the rate of our progress, and much diligence is needful for him who would make good progress. For if he who resolves bravely oftentimes falls short, how shall it be with him who resolves rarely or feebly? But manifold causes bring about abandonment of our resolution, yet a trivial omission of holy exercises can hardly be made without some loss to us. The resolution of the righteous depends more upon the grace of God than upon their own wisdom; for in Him they always put their trust, whatsoever they take in hand. For man proposes, but God disposes; and the way of a man is not in himself.
If a holy exercise be sometimes omitted for the sake of some act of piety, or of some brotherly kindness, it can easily be taken up afterwards; but if it be neglected through distaste or slothfulness, then is it sinful, and the mischief will be felt. Strive as earnestly as we may, we shall still fall short in many things. Always should some distinct resolution be made by us; and, most of all, we must strive against those sins which most easily beset us. Both our outer and inner life should be straitly examined and ruled by us, because both have to do with our progress.
If you cannot be always examining yourself, you can at certain seasons, and at least twice in the day, at evening and at morning. In the morning make your resolves, and in the evening inquire into your life, how you have spent today in word, deed, and thought, for in these ways you have often perchance offended God and your neighbour. Gird up your lions like a man against the assaults of the devil; bridle your appetite, and you will soon be able to bridle every inclination of the flesh. Be you never without something to do; be reading, or writing, or praying, or meditating, or doing something that is useful to the community. Bodily exercises however, must be undertaken with discretion, nor are they to be used by all alike.”
Thomas a Kempis
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