Imitation 3 1612 verses
1Whatsoever I am able to desire or to think of for my solace, I look for it not here, but hereafter.
2For if I alone had all the solaces of this world, and were able to enjoy all its delights, it is certain that they could not endure long.
3Wherefore, O my soul, thou canst be fully comforted and perfectly refreshed, only in God, the Comforter of the poor, and the lifter up of the humble.
4Wait but a little while, my soul, wait for the Divine promise, and thou shalt have abundance of all good things in heaven.
5If thou longest too inordinately for the things which are now, thou shalt lose those which are eternal and heavenly.
6Let temporal things be in the use, eternal things in the desire.
7Thou canst not be satisfied with any temporal good, for thou wast not created for the enjoyment of these.
8Although thou hadst all the good things which ever were created, yet couldst not thou be happy and blessed; all thy blessedness and thy felicity lieth in God who created all things; not such felicity as seemeth good to the foolish lover of the world, but such as ’s good and faithful servants wait for, and as the spiritual and pure in heart sometimes taste, whose “conversation is in heaven.” All human solace is empty and short-lived; blessed and true is that solace which is felt inwardly, springing from the truth.
9The godly man everywhere beareth about with him his own Comforter, , and saith unto Him: “Be with me, Lord , always and everywhere.
10Let it be my comfort to be able to give up cheerfully all human comfort.
11And if Thy consolation fail me, let Thy will and righteous approval be alway with me for the highest comfort.
12‘For Thou wilt not always be chiding, neither keepest Thou Thine anger forever.’ ”
