BOOK ONE
Counsels on the Spiritual Life
CHAPTER I
On the Imitation of Christ
‘He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness,' says Our Lord.
In these words Christ counsels us to follow His life and way if we desire true enlightenment and freedom from all blindness of heart. Let the life of Jesus Christ, then, be our first consideration.
The teaching of Jesus far transcends all the teachings of the Saints, and whosoever has His spirit will discover concealed in it heavenly manna. But many people, although they often hear the Gospel, feel little desire to follow it, because they lack the spirit of Christ. Whoever desires to understand and take delight in the words of Christ must strive to conform his whole life to Him.
Of what use is it to discourse learnedly on the Trinity, if you lack humility and therefore displease the Trinity? Lofty words do not make a man just or holy; but a good life makes him dear to God. I would far rather feel contrition than be able to define it.
Copyright © 2005 by Thomas a Kempis. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.