Of humble submission
OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
Book II would rather rejoice at the reproaches cast upon you; for the love of Jesus makes a man despise himself.
A lover of Jesus and of the truth, a truly inward man devoid of inordinate affections, can freely turn to God, transcend himself in spirit, and enjoy delightful rest.
7. He whose taste discerns all thmgs as they are, and not as they are said or accounted to be, is truly a wise man, and taught rather by God than by men.
He that knows how to walk inwardly, and to make but little account of outward things, does not look for places, or wait for seasons, to perform his exercises of devotion.
The man of inward life soon recollects himself, because he never wholly surrenders himself to outward things.
Outward labour is no prejudice to him, nor any employment which for a time is necessary; but as things happen, so does he accommodate himself to them.
He who is well disposed and orderly within, cares not for the strange and perverse doings of men.
In proportion as a man draws things to himself, just so much is he hindered and distracted.
If all were right with you, and you were well puriJBed from sin, everything would tend to your good and your profit.
The reason why many things displease you, and often disturb you, is this, that you are not yet perfectly dead to yourself, nor detached from all earthly things.
There is nothing that so defiles and entangles the heart of man as the impure love of creatures.
If you refuse outward consolations, then you will be able to apply your mind to heavenly things, and frequently to experience inward joy.
CHAPTER 2
OF HUMBLE SUBMISSION
Make no great account of what man is for you or against you, but mind and take care of this, that God be with you in everything you do.
Have a good conscience, and God shall well defend you; for no man's malice can hurt him whom God wills to help.
If you know how to be silent and to suffer, you shall without doubt see the help of the Lord.
He Himself knows the time and the manner of your deliverance; and therefore it is your part to resign yourself into His hands.