Of acquiring peace and zeal for spiritual progress
OF THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
Book I Therefore must we watch and pray,^ lest time pass away fruitlessly.
If it be lawful and expedient to speak, speak of such things as will edify.
Evil habit and negligence about our spiritual advancement are largely responsible for our keeping no guard on our tongues.
Yet devout conferences upon spiritual things are no small help to spiritual progress, especially where persons of like mind and spirit are associated together in God.
CHAPTER 11
OF ACQUIRING PEACE AND ZEAL
FOR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
We might have much peace, if we would not busy ourselves with the sayings and doings of other people, and with things that do not concern us.
How can he long remain at peace who mixes himself up with the concerns of others, who seeks distractions abroad, who is little or seldom inwardly recollected?
Blessed are the single-minded, for they shall enjoy much peace.
2. Why were some of the Saints so perfect and contemplative?
Because they strove to restrain themselves wholly from all earthly desires.
And so they were able to cleave to God with their innermost hearts, and to find time for attending to their souls.
But we are too much taken up with our own passions, and too solicitous about transitory things.
Seldom do we perfectly overcome one single vice; nor do we ardently desire to make daily progress; therefore we remain cold and lukewarm.
If we were perfectly dead to ourselves, and our hearts were not entangled, then might we relish divine things, and have some taste of heavenly contemplation.
The chief and greatest obstacle is that we are not free from passions and lusts, and strive not to enter upon the perfect way of the Saints.
When we meet with even a little adversity, we are immediately discouraged and turn to human consolation.
If we strove like valiant men to stand firm in the battle, 1 Matthew xxvi, 41.