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another to thine own liking。 We are ready to see others made perfect； and
yet we do not amend our own shortcomings。
3。 We will that others be straitly corrected； but we will not be corrected
ourselves。 The freedom of others displeaseth us； but we are dissatisfied
that our own wishes shall be denied us。 We desire rules to be made
restraining others； but by no means will we suffer ourselves to be
restrained。 Thus therefore doth it plainly appear how seldom we weigh
our neighbour in the same balance with ourselves。 If all men were perfect；
what then should we have to suffer from others for God？
4。 But now hath God thus ordained； that we may learn to bear one
another's burdens； because none is without defect； none without a burden；
none sufficient of himself； none wise enough of himself； but it behoveth
us to bear with one another； to comfort one another； to help； instruct；
admonish one another。 How much strength each man hath is best proved
by occasions of adversity； for such occasions do not make a man frail； but
show of what temper he is。
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CHAPTER 16
Of a religious life
It behoveth thee to learn to mortify thyself in many things； if thou wilt
live in amity and concord with other men。 It is no small thing to dwell in
a religious community or congregation； and to live there without
complaint； and therein to remain faithful even unto death。 Blessed is he
who hath lived a good life in such a body； and brought it to a happy end。
If thou wilt stand fast and wilt profit as thou oughtest； hold thyself as an
exile and a pilgrim upon the earth。 Thou wilt have to be counted as a
fool for Christ； if thou wilt lead a religious life。
2。 The clothing and outward appearance are of small account； it is
change of character and entire mortification of the affections which make
a truly religious man。 He who seeketh aught save God and the health of
his soul； shall find only tribulation and sorrow。 Now can he stand long in
peace； who striveth not to be least of all and servant of all。
3。 Thou art called to endure and to labour； not to a life of ease and
trifling talk。 Here therefore are men tried as gold in the furnance。 No
man can stand； unless with all his heart he will humble himself for God's
sake。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 17
Of the example of the Holy Fathers
Consider now the lively examples of the holy fathers； in whom shone
forth real perfectness and religion； and thou shalt see how little； even as
nothing； is all that we do。 Ah！ What is our life when compared to theirs？
They； saints and friends of Christ as they were； served the Lord in hunger
and thrist； in cold and nakedness； in labour and weariness； in watchings
and fastings； in prayer and holy meditations； in persecutions and much
rebuke。
2。 O how many and grievous tribulations did the Apostles； Martyrs；
Confessors； Virgins； endure； and all others who would walk in the
footsteps of Christ。 For they hated their souls in this world that they might
keep them unto life eternal。 O how strict and retired a life was that of the
holy fathers who dwelt in the desert！ what long and grievous temptations
they did suffer！ how often were they assaulted by the enemy！ what
frequent and fervid prayers did they offer unto God！ what strict fasts did
they endure！ what fervent zeal and desire after spiritual profit did they
manifest！ how bravely did they fight that their vices might not gain the
mastery！ how entirely and steadfastly did they reach after God！ By day
they laboured； and at night they gave themselves ofttimes unto prayer； yea；
even when they were labouring they ceased not from mental prayer。
3。 They spent their whole time profitably； every hour seemed short for
retirement with God； and through the great sweetness of contemplation；
even the need of bodily refreshment was forgotten。 They renounced all
riches； dignities； honours； friends； kinsmen； they desired nothing from the
world； they ate the bare necessities of life； they were unwilling to minister
to the body even in necessity。 Thus were they poor in earthly things； but
rich above measure in grace and virtue。 Though poor to the outer eye；
within they were filled with grace and heavenly benedictions。
4。 They were strangers to the world； but unto God they were as
kinsmen and friends。 They seemed unto themselves as of no reputation；
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
and in the world's eyes contemptible； but in the sight of God they were
precious and beloved。 They stood fast in true humility； they lived in
simple obedience； they walked in love and patience； and thus they waxed
strong in spirit； and obtained great favour before God。 To all religious
men they were given as an example； and they ought more to provoke us
unto good livings than the number of the lukewarm tempteth to
carelessness of life。
5。 O how great was the love of all religious persons at the beginning of
this sacred institution！ O what devoutness of prayer！ what rivalry in
holiness！ what strict discipline was observed！ what reverence and
obedience under the rule of the master showed they in all things！ The
traces of them that remain until now testify that they were truly holy and
perfect men； who fighting so bravely trod the world underfoot。 Now a
man is counted great if only he be not a transgressor； and if he can only
endure with patience what he hath undertaken。
6。 O the coldness and negligence of our times； that we so quickly
decline from the former love； and it is become a weariness to live； because
of sloth and lukewarmness。 May progress in holiness not wholly fall
asleep in thee； who many times hast seen so many examples