Of the Imitation of Christ/Book I/Chapter XVII
CHAPTER XVII.
OF LIFE IN RETIREMENT.
HOU must learn to break thine own will in many things if thou wilt have peace and concord with others.
It is no small matter to dwell in a religious community without offence, and to continue faithful even unto death.
Blessed is he that hath there lived well, and ended happily.
If thou wilt stand firm and grow in grace, esteem thyself a pilgrim and stranger upon earth.
Thou must be contented for Christ's sake to be esteemed a fool in this world, if thou desire to lead a holy life.
2. Wearing a dress and tonsure profit little; but change of heart and perfect mortification of the passions, make a truly religious man.
He that seeketh anything else but God, and the salvation of his soul, shall find nothing but tribulation and sorrows.
Neither can he remain long in peace, that laboureth not to be the least, and subject unto all.
3. Thou camest to serve, not to rule. Know that thou wast called to suffer and to labour, and not to spend thy time in idle talk.
Here therefore men are proved as gold in the furnace.
Here no man can stand, unless he humble himself with his whole heart for the love of God.