Of reading the Holy Scriptures
OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
Book I A good life makes a man wise according to God, and gives great experience.
The more humble any one is in heart, and the more submissive to God, so much the wiser will he be in all things, and the more at peace.
CHAPTER 5
OF READING THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
Truth is to be sought for in the holy Scriptures, not eloquence.
All holy Scripture should be read in the spirit in which it was written.
We should search the Scriptures for what is profitable to our souls and not for beauties of language.
We ought to read devout and simple books as willingly as those that are high and profound.
The authority of the writer should not affect you, whether he be of little or great learning; but let love of the plain truth lead you to read.
Ask not, Who said that? but consider what is said.
2. Men pass away, but the truth of the Lord abides for ever.^ God speaks to us in many ways, without respect of persons.
Our curiosity is often a hindrance to us in reading the Scriptures, when we wish to understand and to discuss what ought to be passed over in simplicity.
If you wish to derive profit, read with humility, with simplicity, and with faith; and seek not at any time the fame of being learned.
Do not hesitate to ask questions, and listen in silence to the words of holy men. Nor let the parables of the elders be displeasing to you, for they are not uttered without cause.
CHAPTER 6
OF INORDINATE AFFECTIONS
Whenever a man desires anything inordinately, at once he is disquieted within himself.
The proud and the covetous are never at rest; the poor and humble in spirit pass their life in abundance of peace.
1 Psalm cxvi, 2.