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The Imitation of Christ
Thomas à Kempis
The Third Chapter
LISTEN HUMBLY TO THE WORDS OF GOD. MANY DO NOT HEED THEM
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
MY CHILD, hear My words, words of greatest sweetness surpassing all the
knowledge of the philosophers and wise men of earth. My words are spirit and
life, and they are not to be weighed by man's understanding. They are not to be
invoked in vanity but are to be heard in silence, and accepted with all humility
and with great affection.
THE DISCIPLE
"Happy is the man whom Thou admonishest, O Lord, and teachest out of Thy law, to
give him peace from the days of evil,"[31] and that he be not desolate on earth.
THE VOICE OF CHRIST
I taught the prophets from the beginning, and even to this day I continue to
speak to all men. But many are hardened. Many are deaf to My voice. Most men
listen more willingly to the world than to God. They are more ready to follow
the appetite of their flesh than the good pleasure of God. The world, which
promises small and passing things, is served with great eagerness: I promise
great and eternal things and the hearts of men grow dull. Who is there that
serves and obeys Me in all things with as great care as that with which the
world and its masters are served?
"Be thou ashamed, O Sidon, for the sea speaketh."[32] And if you ask why, listen
to the cause: for a small gain they travel far; for eternal life many will
scarcely lift a foot from the ground. They seek a petty reward, and sometimes
fight shamefully in law courts for a single piece of money. They are not afraid
to work day and night for a trifle or an empty promise. But, for an unchanging
good, for a reward beyond estimate, for the greatest honor and for glory
everlasting, it must be said to their shame that men begrudge even the least
fatigue. Be ashamed, then, lazy and complaining servant, that they should be
found more eager for perdition than you are for life, that they rejoice more in
vanity than you in truth.
Sometimes indeed their expectations fail them, but My promise never deceives,
nor does it send away empty-handed him who trusts in Me. What I have promised I
will give. What I have said I will fulfill, if only a man remain faithful in My
love to the end. I am the rewarder of all the good, the strong approver of all
who are devoted to Me.
Write My words in your heart and meditate on them earnestly, for in time of
temptation they will be very necessary. What you do not understand when you
read, you will learn in the day of visitation. I am wont to visit My elect in
two ways -- by temptation and by consolation. To them I read two lessons daily
-- one reproving their vices, the other exhorting them to progress in virtue. He
who has My words and despises them has that which shall condemn him on the last
day.
A PRAYER FOR THE GRACE OF DEVOTION
O Lord my God, You are all my good. And who am I that I should dare to speak to
You? I am Your poorest and meanest servant, a vile worm, much more poor and
contemptible than I know or dare to say. Yet remember me, Lord, because I am
nothing, I have nothing, and I can do nothing. You alone are good, just, and
holy. You can do all things, You give all things, You fill all things: only the
sinner do You leave empty-handed. Remember Your tender mercies and fill my heart
with Your grace, You Who will not allow Your works to be in vain. How can I bear
this life of misery unless You comfort me with Your mercy and grace? Do not turn
Your face from me. Do not delay Your visitation. Do not withdraw Your
consolation, lest in Your sight my soul become as desert land. Teach me, Lord,
to do Your will. Teach me to live worthily and humbly in Your sight, for You are
my wisdom Who know me truly, and Who knew me even before the world was made and
before I was born into it.
