The Imitation of Christ | Page 8

occupied with our own affections,
and too anxious about transitory things. Seldom, too, do we entirely
conquer even a single fault, nor are we zealous for daily growth in
grace. And so we remain lukewarm and unspiritual.
3. Were we fully watchful of ourselves, and not bound in spirit to
outward things, then might we be wise unto salvation, and make
progress in Divine contemplation. Our great and grievous
stumbling-block is that, not being freed from our affections and desires,
we strive not to enter into the perfect way of the Saints. And when even

a little trouble befalleth us, too quickly are we cast down, and fly to the
world to give us comfort.
4. If we would quit ourselves like men, and strive to stand firm in the
battle, then should we see the Lord helping us from Heaven. For He
Himself is alway ready to help those who strive and who trust in Him;
yea, He provideth for us occasions of striving, to the end that we may
win the victory. If we look upon our progress in religion as a progress
only in outward observances and forms, our devoutness will soon come
to an end. But let us lay the axe to the very root of our life, that, being
cleansed from affections, we may possess our souls in peace.
5. If each year should see one fault rooted out from us, we should go
quickly on to perfection. But on the contrary, we often feel that we
were better and holier in the beginning of our conversion than after
many years of profession. Zeal and progress ought to increase day by
day; yet now it seemeth a great thing if one is able to retain some
portion of his first ardour. If we would put some slight stress on
ourselves at the beginning, then afterwards we should be able to do all
things with ease and joy.
6. It is a hard thing to break through a habit, and a yet harder thing to
go contrary to our own will. Yet if thou overcome not slight and easy
obstacles, how shalt thou overcome greater ones? Withstand thy will at
the beginning, and unlearn an evil habit, lest it lead thee little by little
into worse difficulties. Oh, if thou knewest what peace to thyself thy
holy life should bring to thyself, and what joy to others, methinketh
thou wouldst be more zealous for spiritual profit.



CHAPTER XII
Of the uses of adversity

It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities, for
they often make a man lay to heart that he is only a stranger and
sojourner, and may not put his trust in any worldly thing. It is good that
we sometimes endure contradictions, and are hardly and unfairly
judged, when we do and mean what is good. For these things help us to
be humble, and shield us from vain-glory. For then we seek the more
earnestly the witness of God, when men speak evil of us falsely, and
give us no credit for good.
2. Therefore ought a man to rest wholly upon God, so that he needeth
not seek much comfort at the hand of men. When a man who feareth
God is afflicted or tried or oppressed with evil thoughts, then he seeth
that God is the more necessary unto him, since without God he can do
no good thing. Then he is heavy of heart, he groaneth, he crieth out for
the very disquietness of his heart. Then he groweth weary of life, and
would fain depart and be with Christ. By all this he is taught that in the
world there can be no perfect security or fulness of peace.



CHAPTER XIII
Of resisting temptation
So long as we live in the world, we cannot be without trouble and trial.
Wherefore it is written in Job, The life of man upon the earth is a
trial.(1) And therefore ought each of us to give heed concerning trials
and temptations, and watch unto prayer, lest the devil find occasion to
deceive; for he never sleepeth, but goeth about seeking whom he may
devour. No man is so perfect in holiness that he hath never temptations,
nor can we ever be wholly free from them.
2. Yet, notwithstanding, temptations turn greatly unto our profit, even
though they be great and hard to bear; for through them we are

humbled, purified, instructed. All Saints have passed through much
tribulation and temptation, and have profited thereby. And they who
endured not temptation became reprobate and fell away. There is no
position so sacred, no place so secret, that it is without temptations and
adversities.
3. There is no man wholly free from temptations so long