OF THE EXERCISES OF A RELIGIOUS MAN “The duties which are not common to all must not be done openly but are safest carried on in secret. But take heed that you be not careless in the common duties and more devout in the secret; but faithfully and honestly discharge the duties and commands which [...]
Category: The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis, tr. by William Benham, 1886
the imitation of Christ, the 1st book: chapter xix (the exercises of a religious man)
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 [...]
the imitation of Christ, the 1st book: chapter xviii (the examples of the holy fathers)
OF THE EXAMPLE OF THE HOLY FATHERS “Consider now the lively examples of the holy fathers, in whom shone forth real perfectness and religion, and you shall see how little, even as nothing, is all that we do. Ah! What is our life when compared to theirs? They, saints and friends of Christ as they [...]
the imitation of Christ, the 1st book: chapter xiv and xv (avoiding rash judgment; works of charity)
ON AVOIDING RASH JUDGMENT “Look well unto yourself and beware that you judge not the doings of others. In judging others, a man labours in vain; he often errs and easily falls into sin; but in judging and examining himself, he always labours to good purpose. According as a matter touches our fancy, so oftentimes [...]
the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapter xiii (resisting temptation)
OF RESISTING TEMPTATION “So long as we live in the world, we cannot be without trouble and trial. Wherefore it is written in Job, The life of man upon the earth is a trial. And therefore, ought each of us to give heed concerning trials and temptations, and watch unto prayer, lest the devil find [...]
the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapter xii (the uses of adversity)
OF THE USES OF ADVERSITY “It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities, for they often make a man lay to heart that he is only a stranger and sojourner, and may not put his trust in any worldly thing. It is good that we sometimes endure contradictions, and are hardly [...]
the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapter xi (seeking peace of mind and spiritual progress)
OF SEEKING PEACE OF MIND AND OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESS “We may enjoy abundance of peace if we refrain from busying ourselves with the sayings and doings of others, and things which concern not ourselves. How can he abide long time in peace who occupies himself with other men's matters, and with things outside himself, and [...]
the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapters ix and x (obedience and subjection; danger of superfluity of words)
OF OBEDIENCE AND SUBJECTION “It is verily a great thing to live in obedience, to be under authority, and not to be at our own disposal. Far safer is it to live in subjection than in a place of authority. Many are in obedience from necessity rather than from love; these take it amiss and [...]
the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapters vii and viii (fleeing from vain hope and pride; the danger of too much familiarity)
OF FLEEING FROM VAIN HOPE AND PRIDE: “Vain is the life of that man who puts his trust in men or in any created thing. Be not ashamed to be the servant of others for the love of Jesus Christ, and to be reckoned poor in this life. Rest not upon thyself but build thy [...]
the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapters v and vi (the reading of holy scriptures; inordinate affections)
OF THE READING OF HOLY SCRIPTURES: “It is Truth which we must look for in Holy Writ, not cunning of words. All Scripture ought to be read in the spirit in which it was written. We must rather seek for what is profitable in Scripture, than for what ministers to subtlety in discourse. Therefore, we [...]
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 