the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter liv (the diverse motions of nature and grace)

OF THE DIVERSE MOTIONS OF NATURE AND OF GRACE โ€œโ€ My Son, pay diligent heed to the motions of Nature and of Grace, because they move in a very contrary and subtle manner, and are hardly distinguished, save by a spiritual and inwardly enlightened man. All men indeed seek good, and make pretence of something [...]

the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter liii (that the grace of God does not join itself to those who mind earthly things)

THAT THE GRACE OF GOD DOES NOT JOIN ITSELF TO THOSE WHO MIND EARTHLY THINGS โ€œโ€ My Son, precious is My grace, it suffers not itself to be joined with outward things, nor with earthly consolations. Therefore, you ought to cast away all things which hinder grace, if you long to receive the inpouring thereof. [...]

the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter xlv (that we must not believe everyone; and that we are prone to fall in our words)

THAT WE MUST NOT BELIEVE EVERYONE; AND THAT WE ARE PRONE TO FALL IN OUR WORDS โ€œLord, be you my help in trouble, for vain is the help of man, (Psalm 60:11). How often have I failed to find faithfulness, where I thought I possessed it. How many times I have found it where I [...]

the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter xxx (seeking divine help and the confidence of obtaining peace)

OF SEEKING DIVINE HELP AND THE CONFIDENCE OF OBTAINING GRACE โ€œโ€ My Son, I the Lord am a stronghold in the day of trouble, (Nahum 1:7). Come unto Me, when it is not well with you. โ€œThis it is, which chiefly hinders heavenly consolation, that you too slowly betake yourself unto prayer. For before you [...]

the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter xxiii (four things which brings great peace)

OF FOUR THINGS WHICH BRING GREAT PEACE โ€œโ€ My Son, now will I teach you the way of peace and of true liberty.โ€ Do, O my Lord, as You say, for this is pleasing unto me to hear. โ€œStrive My Son, to do another's will, rather than your own. Choose always to have less rather [...]

the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter xx (confession of our infirmity and of the miseries of this life)

OF CONFESSION OF OUR INFIRMITY AND OF THE MISERIES OF THIS LIFE โ€œI will acknowledge my sin unto You, (Psalms 32:5); I will confess to You, Lord, my infirmity. It is often a small thing which casts me down and makes me sad. I resolve that I will act bravely, but when a little temptation [...]