the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter xxxi (the neglect of every creature that the creator may be found)

OF THE NEGLECT OF EVERY CREATURE THAT THE CREATOR MAY BE FOUND “O Lord, I still need more grace if I would arrive where neither man nor any other creature may hinder me. For so long as anything keeps me back, I cannot freely fly unto You. He desired eagerly thus to fly, who cried, [...]

the imitation of Christ, the 2nd book: chapter i (admonitions concerning the inner life)

OF THE INWARD LIFE “The kingdom of God is within you, says the Lord. Turn you with all your heart to the Lord and forsake this miserable world, and you shall find rest unto your soul. Learn to despise outward things and to give yourself to things inward, and you shall see the Kingdom of [...]

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 [...]