Imitation 1 2045 verses
1Seek a suitable time for thy meditation, and think frequently of the mercies of God to thee.
2Leave curious questions.
3Study such matters as bring thee sorrow for sin rather than amusement.
4If thou withdraw thyself from trifling conversation and idle goings about, as well as from novelties and gossip, thou shalt find thy time sufficient and apt for good meditation.
5The greatest saints used to avoid as far as they could the company of men, and chose to live in secret with God.
6One hath said, “As oft as I have gone among men, so oft have I returned less a man.” This is what we often experience when we have been long time in conversation.
7For it is easier to be altogether silent than it is not to exceed in word.
8It is easier to remain hidden at home than to keep sufficient guard upon thyself out of doors.
9He, therefore, that seeketh to reach that which is hidden and spiritual, must go with “apart from the multitude.” No man safely goeth abroad who loveth not to rest at home.
10No man safely talketh but he who loveth to hold his peace.
11No man safely ruleth but he who loveth to be subject.
12No man safely commandeth but he who loveth to obey.
13No man safely rejoiceth but he who hath the testimony of a good conscience within himself.
14The boldness of the Saints was always full of the fear of God.
15Nor were they the less earnest and humble in themselves, because they shone forth with great virtues and grace.
16But the boldness of wicked men springeth from pride and presumption, and at the last turneth to their own confusion.
17Never promise thyself security in this life, howsoever good a monk or devout a solitary thou seemest.
18Often those who stand highest in the esteem of men, fall the more grievously because of their over great confidence.
19Wherefore it is very profitable unto many that they should not be without inward temptation, but should be frequently assaulted, lest they be over confident, lest they be indeed lifted up into pride, or else lean too freely upon the consolations of the world.
20O how good a conscience should that man keep, who never sought a joy that passeth away, who never became entangled with the world!
21O how great peace and quiet should he possess, who would cast off all vain care, and think only of healthful and divine things, and build his whole hope upon God!
22No man is worthy of heavenly consolation but he who hath diligently exercised himself in holy compunction.
23If thou wilt feel compunction within thy heart, enter into thy chamber and shut out the tumults of the world, as it is written, “Commune with your own heart in your own chamber and be still.” In retirement thou shalt find what often thou wilt lose abroad.
24Retirement, if thou continue therein, groweth sweet, but if thou keep not in it, begetteth weariness.
25If in the beginning of thy conversation thou dwell in it and keep it well, it shall afterwards be to thee a dear friend, and a most pleasant solace.
26In silence and quiet the devout soul goeth forward and learneth the hidden things of the Scriptures.
27Therein findeth she a fountain of tears, wherein to wash and cleanse herself each night, that she may grow the more dear to her Maker as she dwelleth the further from all worldly distraction.
28To him who withdraweth himself from his acquaintance and friends God with his holy angels will draw nigh.
29It is better to be unknown and take heed to oneself than to neglect oneself and work wonders.
30It is praiseworthy for a religious man to go seldom abroad, to fly from being seen, to have no desire to see men.
31Why wouldest thou see what thou mayest not have?
32“The world passeth away and the lust thereof.” The desires of sensuality draw thee abroad, but when an hour is past, what dost thou bring home, but a weight upon thy conscience and distraction of heart?
33A merry going forth bringeth often a sorrowful return, and a merry evening maketh a sad morning?
34So doth all carnal joy begin pleasantly, but in the end it gnaweth away and destroyeth.
35What canst thou see abroad which thou seest not at home?
36Behold the heaven and the earth and the elements, for out of these are all things made.
37What canst thou see anywhere which can continue long under the sun?
38Thou believest perchance that thou shalt be satisfied, but thou wilt never be able to attain unto this.
39If thou shouldest see all things before thee at once, what would it be but a vain vision?
40Lift up thine eyes to God on high, and pray that thy sins and negligences may be forgiven.
41Leave vain things to vain men, and mind thou the things which God hath commanded thee.
42Shut thy door upon thee, and call unto thyself thy beloved.
43Remain with Him in thy chamber, for thou shalt not elsewhere find so great peace.
44If thou hadst not gone forth nor listened to vain talk, thou hadst better kept thyself in good peace.
45But because it sometimes delighteth thee to hear new things, thou must therefore suffer trouble of heart.
