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 [...]