Of the Imitation of Christ/Book III/Chapter XLVII
CHAPTER XLVII.
THAT ALL GRIEVOUS THINGS ARE TO BE ENDURED FOR THE SAKE OF ETERNAL LIFE.
E not dismayed by the labours which thou hast undertaken for Me, neither because of any tribulations be thou utterly cast down; but let My promise strengthen and comfort thee always.
I am able to reward thee above all measure and degree.
Thou shalt not long toil here, and always be oppressed with grief.
Wait a little while, and thou shalt see a speedy end of thine evils.
There will come an hour when all labour and trouble shall cease.
Poor and brief is all that which passeth away with time.
2. Do with thy might what thou doest; labour faithfully in My vineyard; I will be thy reward.
Write, read, mourn, keep silence, pray, suffer crosses; life everlasting is worthy of all these, and of yet greater combats.
Peace shall come in the day which is known unto the Lord, and it shall be neither day nor night, but everlasting light, brightness, steadfast peace, and secure rest.
Then thou shalt not say, "Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" nor cry, "Woe is me, that I sojourn in Mesech!"
For death shall be cast down: there shall be no more anxious thoughts, but blessed joy, sweet and lovely company.
3. O if thou hadst seen the everlasting crowns of the saints in heaven, and with how great glory they now rejoice, who in times past suffered contempt in this world; truly thou wouldst humble thyself even unto the dust, and wouldst rather seek to be under the feet of all, than to have command even over one.
Neither wouldst thou desire the pleasant days of this life but rather wouldst rejoice to suffer affliction for God, and esteem nothing to be reputed as great amongst men.
4. O if thou hadst a relishing of these things, and didst suffer them to sink into the bottom of thy heart, how couldst thou dare once complain?
Are not all painful labours to be endured for the sake of life eternal?
It is no small matter, to lose or to gain the kingdom of God.
Lift up thy face therefore unto heaven; behold, I and all My saints with Me, who in this world had great conflicts, do now rejoice, are now comforted, now secure, now at rest, and shall remain with Me everlastingly in the kingdom of My Father.