the imitation of Christ, the 3rd book: chapter ix (that all things are to be referred to God as the final end)

THAT ALL THINGS ARE TO BE REFERRED TO GOD, AS THE FINAL END “” My Son, I must be your Supreme and final end, if you desire to be truly happy. Out of such purpose your affection shall be purified, which too often is sinfully bent upon itself and upon created things. For if you [...]

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 2nd book: chapter i (admonitions concerning the inner life)

OF THE INWARD LIFE “Why do you cast your eyes hither and thither, since this is not the place of your rest? In heaven ought your habitation to be, and all earthly things should be looked upon as it were in the passing by. All things pass away, and you, equally with them. Look that [...]

the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapter iv (prudence in action)

“We must not trust every word of others or feeling within ourselves, but cautiously and patiently try the matter, whether it be of God. Unhappily we are so weak that we find it easier to believe and speak evil of others, rather than good. But they that are perfect, do not give ready heed to [...]

the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapter ii (of thinking humbly of oneself)

“There is naturally in every man, a desire to know. But what profiteth knowledge, without the fear of God? Better of a surety is a lowly peasant who serveth God, than a proud philosopher who watcheth the stars and neglecteth the knowledge of himself. He who knoweth himself well, is vile in his own sight; [...]