To download a free copy of "Mystical Temple of God" by St. Stanislaus visit: -. 12: 2. and labouring to draw all the lines of his life, as agreeably as he is able, into Christ his pattern. Of the Blessed Sacrament. That is an hour wherein all rejoice. The Imitation of Christ: Book 4 Chapter 14. It is no harm to thee if thou place thyself below all others; but it is great harm if thou place thyself above even one. How sweet and pleasant is it to see zealous and godly brethren temperate and of good discipline; and how sad is it and grievous to see them walking disorderly, not practising the duties to which they are called. Happy and wise is he who now striveth to be such in life as he would fain be found in death! "Be thou faithful unto the death, and I will give thee the crown of life. Our own curiosity often hindereth us in the reading of holy writings, when we seek to understand and discuss, where we should pass simply on. But if, on the other hand, he yield to his inclination, immediately he is weighed down by the condemnation of his conscience; for that he hath followed his own desire, and yet in no way attained the peace which he hoped for. Six things were very remarkable in the diligence of Christ about his Father's work. Joe Roesch, MIC, provides his final reflections on "The Imitation of Christ, " by Thomas à Kempis. The imitation of Christ.
Andere Kunden interessierten sich auch für. Consider now the lively examples of the holy fathers, in whom shone forth real perfectness and religion, and thou shalt see how little, even as nothing, is all that we do. Nothing was more commonly objected against Christ and religion by the Heathens in Cyprian's time, than the loose and scandalous lives of professors: "Behold, say they, these are the men who boast themselves to be redeemed from the tyranny of Satan, to be dead to the world; nevertheless, see how they are overcome by their own lusts. " This is a misnomer; the title 15 taken from the first chapter, and signifies not the imitation but the following of Christ. 03 MB · 141, 321 Downloads. Why art thou disquieted because it happeneth not to thee according to thy wishes and desires? Then a pure and good conscience shall more rejoice than learned philosophy.
For the kingdom of God is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, and it is not given to the wicked. For the average reader the book will remain — the Imitation. Avoid as far as thou canst the tumult of men; for talk concerning worldly things, though it be innocently undertaken, is a hindrance, so quickly are we led captive and defiled by vanity. Are here transcribed, call the book Musica Ecclesiastica, or Church Music. There is no true liberty nor real joy, save in the fear of God with a good conscience. "But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do;" Thus let all your obedience to God turn upon the hinge of love; for "love is the fulfilling of the law, " Hom. If thou wert good and pure within, then wouldst thou look upon all things without hurt and understand them aright. To report typos, typography errors, or other corrections, see how to report errors. Whence shall thy patience attain her crown if no adversity befall thee? His teaching surpasseth all teaching of holy men, and such as have His Spirit find therein the hidden manna. He is truly great who deemeth himself small, and counteth all height of honour as nothing. Open not thine heart to every man, but deal with one who is wise and feareth God. It is a great thing, yea very great, to be able to bear the loss both of human and divine comfort; and for the love of God willingly to bear exile of heart, and in nought to seek oneself, nor to look to one's own merit.
"Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ. " Seventhly, The Christian's imitation of Christ, under penalty of losing his claim to Christ, necessarily implies sanctification and obedience to be the evidences of our justification and interest in Christ: Assurance is unattainable without obedience; we can never be comfortable Christians except we be strict and regular Christians. "That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. "
Seek a suitable time for thy meditation, and think frequently of the mercies of God to thee. Let men talk what they will of the immediate sealings and comforts of the Spirit, without any regard to holiness, or respect to obedience; sure I am, whatever delusion they meet with in that way, true peace, and consolation is only to be expected and found here: "The fruit of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness, and assurance for ever. " Secondly, How readily he denied all for your sakes, making no objections against the difficultest commands. Christ also, when He was in the world, was despised and rejected of men, and in His greatest necessity was left by His acquaintance and friends to bear these reproaches. In the midst of temptation often seek counsel; and deal not hardly with one who is tempted, but comfort and strengthen him as thou wouldest have done unto thyself.
Of a pure mind and simple intention. There is no position so sacred, no place so secret, that it is without temptations and adversities. I desire no consolation which taketh away from me compunction, I love no contemplation which leadeth to pride. If there is any joy in the world surely the man of pure heart possesseth it, and if there is anywhere tribulation and anguish, the evil conscience knoweth it best. And thus the gifts of grace are not able to flow unto us, because we are ungrateful to the Author of them, and return them not wholly to the Fountain whence they flow. Therefore of all that are dear to thee, let Jesus be specially loved. Even for the diversity of season different exercises are needed, some suit better for feasts, some for fasts. O what devoutness of prayer! O the dulness and hardness of man's heart, which thinketh only of the present, and looketh not forward to the future. How many perish through empty learning in this world, who care little for serving God. No good action will be distasteful to thee if thou be free within from inordinate affection. For grace ever becometh the portion of him who is grateful and that is taken away from the proud, which is wont to be given to the humble. It was first composed in Latin ca. Sixthly, Nothing rejoiced his soul more, than the prosperity and success of his work, Luke 10: 20, 21.
The greatest saints used to avoid as far as they could the company of men, and chose to live in secret with God. He envieth none, because he longeth for no selfish joy; nor doth he desire to rejoice in himself, but longeth to be blessed in God as the highest good. The most probable author, however, especially when the internal evidence is considered, is Thomas Haemmerlein, known also as Thomas a Kempis, from his native town of Kempen, near the Rhine, about forty miles north of Cologne. It is a hard thing to break through a habit, and a yet harder thing to go contrary to our own will. If now a little suffering maketh thee so impatient, what shall hell-fire do then? Obedience in Christ was an abasement to him, but in you a very great honour and advancement: you have reason therefore to obey with cheerfulness.