The Imitation of Christ | Page 7

and
feareth God. Be seldom with the young and with strangers. Be not a
flatterer of the rich; nor willingly seek the society of the great. Let thy
company be the humble and the simple, the devout and the gentle, and
let thy discourse be concerning things which edify. Be not familiar with
any woman, but commend all good women alike unto God. Choose for
thy companions God and His Angels only, and flee from the notice of
men.
2. We must love all men, but not make close companions of all. It
sometimes falleth out that one who is unknown to us is highly regarded
through good report of him, whose actual person is nevertheless
unpleasing to those who behold it. We sometimes think to please others
by our intimacy, and forthwith displease them the more by the
faultiness of character which they perceive in us.



CHAPTER IX
Of obedience and subjection
It is verily a great thing to live in obedience, to be under authority, and
not to be at our own disposal. Far safer is it to live in subjection than in
a place of authority. Many are in obedience from necessity rather than
from love; these take it amiss, and repine for small cause. Nor will they
gain freedom of spirit, unless with all their heart they submit
themselves for the love of God. Though thou run hither and thither,
thou wilt not find peace, save in humble subjection to the authority of
him who is set over thee. Fancies about places and change of them have
deceived many.

2. True it is that every man willingly followeth his own bent, and is the
more inclined to those who agree with him. But if Christ is amongst us,
then it is necessary that we sometimes yield up our own opinion for the
sake of peace. Who is so wise as to have perfect knowledge of all
things? Therefore trust not too much to thine own opinion, but be ready
also to hear the opinions of others. Though thine own opinion be good,
yet if for the love of God thou foregoest it, and followest that of
another, thou shalt the more profit thereby.
3. Ofttimes I have heard that it is safer to hearken and to receive
counsel than to give it. It may also come to pass that each opinion may
be good; but to refuse to hearken to others when reason or occasion
requireth it, is a mark of pride or wilfulness.



CHAPTER X
Of the danger of superfluity of words
Avoid as far as thou canst the tumult of men; for talk concerning
worldly things, though it be innocently undertaken, is a hindrance, so
quickly are we led captive and defiled by vanity. Many a time I wish
that I had held my peace, and had not gone amongst men. But why do
we talk and gossip so continually, seeing that we so rarely resume our
silence without some hurt done to our conscience? We like talking so
much because we hope by our conversations to gain some mutual
comfort, and because we seek to refresh our wearied spirits by variety
of thoughts. And we very willingly talk and think of those things which
we love or desire, or else of those which we most dislike.
2. But alas! it is often to no purpose and in vain. For this outward
consolation is no small hindrance to the inner comfort which cometh
from God. Therefore must we watch and pray that time pass not idly

away. If it be right and desirable for thee to speak, speak things which
are to edification. Evil custom and neglect of our real profit tend much
to make us heedless of watching over our lips. Nevertheless, devout
conversation on spiritual things helpeth not a little to spiritual progress,
most of all where those of kindred mind and spirit find their ground of
fellowship in God.



CHAPTER XI
Of seeking peace of mind and of spiritual progress
We may enjoy abundance of peace if we refrain from busying ourselves
with the sayings and doings of others, and things which concern not
ourselves. How can he abide long time in peace who occupieth himself
with other men's matters, and with things without himself, and
meanwhile payeth little or rare heed to the self within? Blessed are the
single-hearted, for they shall have abundance of peace.
2. How came it to pass that many of the Saints were so perfect, so
contemplative of Divine things? Because they steadfastly sought to
mortify themselves from all worldly desires, and so were enabled to
cling with their whole heart to God, and be free and at leisure for the
thought of Him. We are too much