the imitation of christ(效仿基督)-第4章
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be good； but to refuse to hearken to others when reason or occasion
requireth it； is a mark of pride or wilfulness。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 9
Of the danger of superfluity of words
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。 Many a time I wish that I
had held my peace； and had not gone amongst men。 But why do we talk
and gossip so continually； seeing that we so rarely resume our silence
without some hurt done to our conscience？ We like talking so much
because we hope by our conversations to gain some mutual comfort； and
because we seek to refresh our wearied spirits by variety of thoughts。
And we very willingly talk and think of those things which we love or
desire； or else of those which we most dislike。
2。 But alas！ it is often to no purpose and in vain。 For this outward
consolation is no small hindrance to the inner comfort which cometh from
God。 Therefore must we watch and pray that time pass not idly away。
If it be right and desirable for thee to speak； speak things which are to
edification。 Evil custom and neglect of our real profit tend much to make
us heedless of watching over our lips。 Nevertheless； devout conversation
on spiritual things helpeth not a little to spiritual progress； most of all
where those of kindred mind and spirit find their ground of fellowship in
God。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 10
Of seeking peace of mind and of spiritual progress
We may enjoy abundance of peace if we refrain from busying
ourselves with the sayings and doings of others； and things which concern
not ourselves。 How can he abide long time in peace who occupieth
himself with other men's matters； and with things without himself； and
meanwhile payeth little or rare heed to the self within？ Blessed are the
single…hearted； for they shall have abundance of peace。
2。 How came it to pass that many of the Saints were so perfect； so
contemplative of Divine things？ Because they steadfastly sought to
mortify themselves from all worldly desires； and so were enabled to cling
with their whole heart to God； and be free and at leisure for the thought of
Him。 We are too much occupied with our own affections； and too
anxious about transitory things。 Seldom； too； do we entirely conquer even
a single fault； nor are we zealous for daily growth in grace。 And so we
remain lukewarm and unspiritual。 3。 Were we fully watchful of ourselves；
and not bound in spirit to outward things； then might we be wise unto
salvation； and make progress in Divine contemplation。 Our great and
grievous stumbling…block is that； not being freed from our affections and
desires； we strive not to enter into the perfect way of the Saints。 And
when even a little trouble befalleth us； too quickly are we cast down； and
fly to the world to give us comfort。
4。 If we would quit ourselves like men； and strive to stand firm in
battle； then should we see the Lord helping us from Heaven。 For He
Himself is alway ready to help those who strive and who trust in Him； yea；
He provideth for us occasions for striving； to the end that we may win the
victory。 If we look upon our progress in religion as a progress only in
outward observances and forms； our devoutness wll soon come to an end。
But let us lay the axe to the very root of our life； that； being cleansed from
affections； we may possess our souls in peace。
5。 If each year should see one fault rooted out from us； we should go
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
quickly on to perfection。 But on the contrary； we often feel that we were
better and holier in the beginning of our conversion than after many years
of profession。 Zeal and progress ought to increase day by day； yet now it
seemeth a great thing if one is able to retain some portion of his first
ardour。 If we would put some slight stress on ourselves at the beginning；
then afterwards we should be able to do all things with ease and joy。
6。 It is a hard thing to break through a habit； and a yet harder thing to
go contrary to our own will。 Yet if thou overcome not slight and easy
obstacles； how shalt thou overcome greater ones？ Withstand thy will at the
beginning； and unlearn an evil habit； lest it lead thee little by little into
worse difficulties。 Oh； if thou knewest what peace to thyself thy holy life
should bring to thyself； and what joy to others； methinketh thou wouldest
be more zealous for spiritual profit。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 11
Of the uses of adversity
It is good for us that we sometimes have sorrows and adversities； for
they often make a man lay to heart that he is only a stranger and sojourner；
and may not put his trust in any worldly thing。 It is good that we
sometimes endure contradictions； and are hardly and unfairly judged；
when we do and mean what is good。 For these things help us to be humble；
and shield us from vain…glory。 For then we seek the more earnestly the
witness of God； when men speak evil of us falsely； and give us no credit
for good。
2。 Therefore ought a man to rest wholly upon God； so that he needeth
not seek much comfort at the hand of men。 When a man who feareth
God is afflicted or tried or oppressed with evil thoughts； then he seeth that
God is the more necessary unto him； since without God he can do no good
thing。 Then he is heavy of heart； he groaneth； he crieth out for the very
disquietness of his heart。 Then he groweth weary of life； and would fain
depart and be with Christ。 By all this he is taught that in the world there
can be no perfect security or fulness of peace。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 12
Of resisting temptation
So long as we live in the world； we canot be without trouble and trial。
Wherefore it is written in Job； The life of man upon the earth is a trial。（1）
And therefore ought each of us to give heed concerning trials and
temptations； and watch unto prayer； lest the devil find occasion to deceive；
for he never sleepeth； but goeth about seeking whom he may devour。 No
man is so perfect in holiness that he hath never temptations； nor can we
ever be wholly free from them。
2。 Yet； notwithstanding； temptations turn greatly unto our
