Imitation 1 913 verses
1It is verily a great thing to live in obedience, to be under authority, and not to be at our own disposal.
2Far safer is it to live in subjection than in a place of authority.
3Many are in obedience from necessity rather than from love; these take it amiss, and repine for small cause.
4Nor will they gain freedom of spirit, unless with all their heart they submit themselves for the love of God.
5Though thou run hither and thither, thou wilt not find peace, save in humble subjection to the authority of him who is set over thee.
6Fancies about places and change of them have deceived many.
7True it is that every man willingly followeth his own bent, and is the more inclined to those who agree with him.
8But if is amongst us, then it is necessary that we sometimes yield up our own opinion for the sake of peace.
9Who is so wise as to have perfect knowledge of all things?
10Therefore trust not too much to thine own opinion, but be ready also to hear the opinions of others.
11Though thine own opinion be good, yet if for the love of God thou foregoest it, and followest that of another, thou shalt the more profit thereby.
12Ofttimes I have heard that it is safer to hearken and to receive counsel than to give it.
13It may also come to pass that each opinion may be good; but to refuse to hearken to others when reason or occasion requireth it, is a mark of pride or wilfulness.
