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continual wrath。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 7
Of the danger of too much familiarity
Open not thine heart to every man； but deal with one who is wise 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 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。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 8
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。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 9
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。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 10
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 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
battle； then should we see the Lord helping us from Heaven。