Of the Imitation of Christ/Book III/Chapter LVII
CHAPTER LVII.
THAT A MAN SHOULD NOT BE TOO MUCH DEJECTED, EVEN WHEN HE FALLETH INTO SOME DEFECTS.
Y son, patience and humility in adversity are more pleasing to Me, than much comfort and devotion in prosperity.
Why art thou so grieved for every little matter spoken against thee?
Although it had been much more, thou oughtest not to have been moved.
But now let it pass: it is not the first that hath happened, nor is it anything new; neither shall it be the last, if thou live long.
Thou art courageous enough so long as nothing adverse befalls thee.
Thou canst give good counsel, and canst strengthen others with thy words; but when any tribulation suddenly cometh to thy door, thou failest in counsel and in strength.
Observe then thy great frailty, of which thou too often hast experience in small things.
It is notwithstanding intended for thy good, when these and such like trials happen to thee.
2. Put it out of thy heart as well as thou canst; and if it touch thee, yet let it not cast thee down, nor long perplex thee.
At least bear it patiently, if thou canst not do so joyfully.
Although thou be unwilling to hear it, and conceive indignation thereat, yet restrain thyself, and suffer no ill words to pass out of thy mouth, whereby Christ's little ones may be offended.
The storm which is now raised shall quickly be appeased, and inward grief shall be sweetened by the return of grace.
I yet live, saith the Lord, and am ready to help thee, and to give thee great comfort if thou put thy trust in Me, and call devoutly upon Me.
3. Be more patient of soul, and gird thyself to greater endurance.
All is not lost, although thou feel thyself very often afflicted or grievously tempted.
Thou art a man, and not God; thou art flesh, not an angel.
How canst thou look to continue always in the same state of virtue, when an angel in heaven hath fallen, as also the first man in paradise?
I am He Who lifteth up the mourners in safety and soundness, and those that know their own weakness I advance to Mine own divine nature.
4. O Lord, blessed be Thy word, more sweet unto my mouth than honey and the honey-comb. What should I do in these so great tribulations and straits, unless Thou didst comfort me with holy words?
What matter is it, how much or what I suffer, so I may at length attain to salvation?
Grant me a good end, grant me a happy passage out of this world.
Be mindful of me, O my God, and direct me in the right way to Thy kingdom.Amen.