Imitation 1 1832 verses
1Consider 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.
2Ah!
3What is our life when compared to theirs?
4They, saints and friends of as they were, served in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labour and weariness, in watchings and fastings, in prayer and holy meditations, in persecutions and much rebuke.
5O how many and grievous tribulations did the Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, endure; and all others who would walk in the footsteps of .
6For they hated their souls in this world that they might keep them unto life eternal.
7O how strict and retired a life was that of the holy fathers who dwelt in the desert!
8what long and grievous temptations they did suffer!
9how often were they assaulted by the enemy!
10what frequent and fervid prayers did they offer unto God!
11what strict fasts did they endure!
12what fervent zeal and desire after spiritual profit did they manifest!
13how bravely did they fight that their vices might not gain the mastery!
14how entirely and steadfastly did they reach after God!
15By day they laboured, and at night they gave themselves ofttimes unto prayer; yea, even when they were labouring they ceased not from mental prayer.
16They spent their whole time profitably; every hour seemed short for retirement with God; and through the great sweetness of contemplation, even the need of bodily refreshment was forgotten.
17They renounced all riches, dignities, honours, friends, kinsmen; they desired nothing from the world; they ate the bare necessaries of life; they were unwilling to minister to the body even in necessity.
18Thus were they poor in earthly things, but rich above measure in grace and virtue.
19Though poor to the outer eye, within they were filled with grace and heavenly benedictions.
20They were strangers to the world, but unto God they were as kinsmen and friends.
21They seemed unto themselves as of no reputation, and in the world’s eyes contemptible; but in the sight of God they were precious and beloved.
22They stood fast in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in love and patience; and thus they waxed strong in spirit, and obtained great favour before God.
23To all religious men they were given as an example, and they ought more to provoke us unto good livings than the number of the lukewarm tempteth to carelessness of life.
24O how great was the love of all religious persons at the beginning of this sacred institution!
25O what devoutness of prayer!
26what rivalry in holiness!
27what strict discipline was observed!
28what reverence and obedience under the rule of the master showed they in all things!
29The traces of them that remain until now testify that they were truly holy and perfect men, who fighting so bravely trod the world underfoot.
30Now a man is counted great if only he be not a transgressor, and if he can only endure with patience what he hath undertaken.
31O the coldness and negligence of our times, that we so quickly decline from the former love, and it is become a weariness to live, because of sloth and lukewarmness.
32May progress in holiness not wholly fall asleep in thee, who many times hast seen so many examples of devout men!
