Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/29

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
Of Subjection.
15

Sometimes it falleth out, that a person unknown to us is much esteemed, from good report; but whose presence notwithstanding is not grateful to the eyes of those who see him.

We think sometimes to please others by our society, but we rather displease them with those bad qualities which they discover in us.


CHAPTER IX.

OF SUBJECTION AND OBEDIENCE.

IT is a great matter to live in obedience, to be under a superior and not to be at our own disposing.

It is much safer to obey than to govern.

Many live under obedience, rather for necessity than for love; such are discontented, and do murmur. Neither can they attain to freedom of mind, unless they heartily put themselves under obedience for the love of God.

Go whither thou wilt, thou shalt find no rest, but in humble subjection to the government of a superior. Many deceive themselves, imagining to find happiness in change.

2. It is true, that everyone willingly doeth that which agreeth with his own liking, and inclineth most to those that are of his own mind.

But if God be amongst us, we must sometimes