The Imitation of Christ | Page 6

him experience in many things. The more humble a man is in
himself, and the more obedient towards God, the wiser will he be in all
things, and the more shall his soul be at peace.



CHAPTER V
Of the reading of Holy Scriptures
It is Truth which we must look for in Holy Writ, not cunning of words.
All Scripture ought to be read in the spirit in which it was written. We
must rather seek for what is profitable in Scripture, than for what
ministereth to subtlety in discourse. Therefore we ought to read books
which are devotional and simple, as well as those which are deep and
difficult. And let not the weight of the writer be a stumbling-block to
thee, whether he be of little or much learning, but let the love of the
pure Truth draw thee to read. Ask not, who hath said this or that, but
look to what he says.
2. Men pass away, but the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Without
respect of persons God speaketh to us in divers manners. Our own
curiosity often hindereth us in the reading of holy writings, when we

seek to understand and discuss, where we should pass simply on. If
thou wouldst profit by thy reading, read humbly, simply, honestly, and
not desiring to win a character for learning. Ask freely, and hear in
silence the words of holy men; nor be displeased at the hard sayings of
older men than thou, for they are not uttered without cause.



CHAPTER VI
Of inordinate affections
Whensoever a man desireth aught above measure, immediately he
becometh restless. The proud and the avaricious man are never at rest;
while the poor and lowly of heart abide in the multitude of peace. The
man who is not yet wholly dead to self, is soon tempted, and is
overcome in small and trifling matters. It is hard for him who is weak
in spirit, and still in part carnal and inclined to the pleasures of sense, to
withdraw himself altogether from earthly desires. And therefore, when
he withdraweth himself from these, he is often sad, and easily angered
too if any oppose his will.
2. But if, on the other hand, he yield to his inclination, immediately he
is weighed down by the condemnation of his conscience; for that he
hath followed his own desire, and yet in no way attained the peace
which he hoped for. For true peace of heart is to be found in resisting
passion, not in yielding to it. And therefore there is no peace in the
heart of a man who is carnal, nor in him who is given up to the things
that are without him, but only in him who is fervent towards God and
living the life of the Spirit.

CHAPTER VII
Of fleeing from vain hope and pride
Vain is the life of that man who putteth his trust in men or in any
created Thing. Be not ashamed to be the servant of others for the love
of Jesus Christ, and to be reckoned poor in this life. Rest not upon
thyself, but build thy hope in God. Do what lieth in thy power, and God
will help thy good intent. Trust not in thy learning, nor in the
cleverness of any that lives, but rather trust in the favour of God, who
resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble.
2. Boast not thyself in thy riches if thou hast them, nor in thy friends if
they be powerful, but in God, who giveth all things, and in addition to
all things desireth to give even Himself. Be not lifted up because of thy
strength or beauty of body, for with only a slight sickness it will fail
and wither away. Be not vain of thy skilfulness or ability, lest thou
displease God, from whom cometh every good gift which we have.
3. Count not thyself better than others, lest perchance thou appear
worse in the sight of God, who knoweth what is in man. Be not proud
of thy good works, for God's judgments are of another sort than the
judgments of man, and what pleaseth man is ofttimes displeasing to
Him. If thou hast any good, believe that others have more, and so thou
mayest preserve thy humility. It is no harm to thee if thou place thyself
below all others; but it is great harm if thou place thyself above even
one. Peace is ever with the humble man, but in the heart of the proud
there is envy and continual wrath.



CHAPTER VIII

Of the danger of too much familiarity
Open not thine heart to every man, but deal with one who is wise