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The Imitation of Christ
Thomas à Kempis
The Eleventh Chapter
THE LONGINGS OF OUR HEARTS MUST BE EXAMINED AND MODERATED
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
MY CHILD, it is necessary for you to learn many things which you have not yet
learned well.
THE DISCIPLE
What are they, Lord?
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
That you conform your desires entirely according to My good pleasure, and be not
a lover of self but an earnest doer of My will. Desires very often inflame you
and drive you madly on, but consider whether you act for My honor, or for your
own advantage. If I am the cause, you will be well content with whatever I
ordain. If, on the other hand, any self-seeking lurk in you, it troubles you and
weighs you down. Take care, then, that you do not rely too much on preconceived
desire that has no reference to Me, lest you repent later on and be displeased
with what at first pleased you and which you desired as being for the best. Not
every desire which seems good should be followed immediately, nor, on the other
hand, should every contrary affection be at once rejected.
It is sometimes well to use a little restraint even in good desires and
inclinations, lest through too much eagerness you bring upon yourself
distraction of mind; lest through your lack of discipline you create scandal for
others; or lest you be suddenly upset and fall because of resistance from
others. Sometimes, however, you must use violence and resist your sensual
appetite bravely. You must pay no attention to what the flesh does or does not
desire, taking pains that it be subjected, even by force, to the spirit. And it
should be chastised and forced to remain in subjection until it is prepared for
anything and is taught to be satisfied with little, to take pleasure in simple
things, and not to murmur against inconveniences.
