Of the Imitation of Christ/Book III/Chapter VI
CHAPTER VI.
OF THE PROVING OF A TRUE LOVER OF CHRIST.
Y son, thou art not a courageous and considerate lover.
Wherefore sayest Thou this, O Lord?
Because for a slight opposition thou givest over thy undertakings, and too eagerly seeketh consolation.
A courageous lover standeth firm in temptations, and giveth no credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy. As I please him in prosperity, so in adversity I am not unpleasing to him.
2. A considerate lover regardeth not so much the gift of him who loves him, as the love of the giver.
He esteems the good will rather than the value of the gift, and sets all gifts below him whom he loves.
A noble-minded lover resteth not in the gift, but in Me above every gift.
All therefore is not lost, if sometimes thou thinkest less of Me or My saints than thou wouldest.
That good and sweet affection which thou sometimes feelest, is the effect of grace present, and is a foretaste of thy heavenly home: but hereon thou must not lean too much, for it cometh and goeth.
But to strive against evil thoughts which may befall thee, and to reject with scorn the suggestions of the devil, is notable sign of virtue, and brings great reward. 3. Let no strange fancies therefore trouble thee, which on any subject whatever may crowd into thy mind. Keep thy purpose with courage, and preserve an upright intention towards God.
Neither is it an illusion that sometimes thou art suddenly wrapt on high, and presently returnest again unto the accustomed vanities of thy heart.
For these thou dost rather unwillingly suffer, than commit: and so long as they displease thee, and thou strivest against them, it is matter of reward, and no loss.
4. Know that the enemy doth strive by all means to hinder thy desire to good, and to divert thee from all religious exercises; particularly, from the reverent estimation of God's saints, from the devout commemoration of My Passion, from the profitable remembrance of thy sins, from the guard of thine own heart, and from the firm purpose of advancing in virtue.
Many evil thoughts does he suggest to thee, that so he may cause a wearisomeness and horror in thee, to call thee back from prayer and holy reading.
Humble confession is displeasing unto him; and if he could, he would cause thee to cease from Holy Communion.
Trust him not, nor heed him, although he should often set snares of deceit to entrap thee.
Charge him with it, when he suggesteth evil and unclean thoughts unto thee; say unto him,
"Away thou unclean spirit! blush thou miserable wretch! most unclean art thou that bringest such things unto mine ears.
"Begone from me, thou wicked seducer! thou shalt have no part in me: but Jesus shall be with me as a strong warrior, and thou shalt stand confounded.
"I had rather die, and undergo any torment, than consent unto thee.
"Hold thy peace and be silent; I will hear thee no more, though thou shouldst work me many troubles. 'The Lord is my Light, and My Salvation, whom shall I fear?'
"Though an army rose against me, yet should not my heart be afraid. The Lord is my Helper and my Redeemer."
5. Fight like a good soldier: and if thou sometimes fall through frailty, take again greater strength than before, trusting in My more abundant grace: and take great heed of vain pleasing of thyself, and of pride.
Pride brings many into error, and makes them sometimes fall into blindness almost incurable.
Let the fall of the proud, thus foolishly presuming on their own strength, serve thee for a warning, and keep thee ever humble.
