the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter vii (hiding our grace under the guard of humility)

OF HIDING OUR GRACE UNDER THE GUARD OF HUMILITY “”My Son, it is better and safer for you to hide the grace of devotion, and not to lift yourself up on high, nor to speak much thereof, nor to value it greatly; but rather to despise yourself, and to fear as though this grace were [...]

the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter vi (the proving of the true lover)

OF THE PROVING OF THE TRUE LOVER ““My Son, you are not yet strong and prudent in your love.” Wherefore, O my Lord? “Because for a little opposition, you fall away from your undertakings, and too eagerly seek after consolation. The strong lover stands fast in temptations, and believes not the evil persuasions of the [...]