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Imitation of
Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 1, Chapter 1
Of the Imitation of Christ, and Contempt of all the Vanities of the
World
He that
followeth Me, walketh not in darkness (John 8:12), saith the Lord.
These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished, how we ought
to imitate His life and manners, if we would truly be enlightened, and
delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chiefest
endeavour be, to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.
The doctrine of Christ exceedeth all the doctrine of holy men.; and he
that hath the Spirit will find therein the hidden manna (Apocalypse.
2:17). But it falleth out that many who often hear the Gospel of
Christ, feel little desire after it, because they have not the Spirit
of Christ (Rom. 8:9). But Whosoever will fully and with relish
understand the words of Christ, must endeavor to conform his life
wholly to the life of Christ.
2. What doth it avail thee to discourse profoundly of the Trinity, if
thou be void of humility, and art thereby displeasing to the Trinity?
Surely profound words do not make a man holy and just; but a virtuous
life maketh him dear to God. I had rather feel contrition, than know
the definition thereof. If thou didst know the whole Bible by heart,
and the sayings of all the philosophers, what would all that profit
thee without the love of God (1 Cor. 13:2), and without His grace?
Vanity of vanities, and all is vanity (Eccles. 1:2), except to love
God, and to serve Him only. This is the highest wisdom, by contempt of
the world to press forward towards heavenly kingdoms.
Prayers for the Third Week
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