Saturday, June 28, 2014

The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis. Book 1, Chapter 4: That light credence is not to be given to words


ADMONITIONS USEFUL FOR A SPIRITUAL LIFE
BOOK 1, CHAPTER 4
That light credence is not to be given to words

We must not trust every word of others or feeling within
ourselves, but cautiously and patiently try the matter, whether
it be of God.  Unhappily we are so weak that we find it easier to
believe and speak evil of others, rather than good.  But they
that are perfect, do not give ready heed to every news-bearer,
for they know man’s weakness that it is prone to evil and
unstable in words.
This is great wisdom, not to be hasty in action, or stubborn
in our own opinions.  A part of this wisdom also is not to
believe every word we hear, nor to tell others all that we hear,
even though we believe it.  Take counsel with a man who is wise
and of a good conscience; and seek to be instructed by one better
than thyself, rather than to follow thine own inventions.  A good
life maketh a man wise toward God, and giveth him experience in
many things.  The more humble a man is in himself, and the more
obedient towards God, the wiser will he be in all things, and the
more shall his soul be at peace.

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