Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/236

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Of Curiosity in High Matters.

they ascribe no goodness to themselves, but attribute all to Me, who of mine infinite love have given them all things.

They are filled with so great love of God, and with such an overflowing joy, that there is no glory nor happiness that is or that can be wanting unto them.

All the saints, the higher they are in glory, the more humble are they in themselves, and the nearer and dearer unto Me.

And therefore it is written, "That they did cast their crowns before God, and fell down on their faces before the Lamb, and adored Him that liveth for ever and ever."

9. Many inquire, who is the greatest in the kingdom of God, who know not whether they shall ever be numbered among the least.

It is a great thing to be even the least in heaven, where all are great; for they all shall be called, and shall be, the sons of God.

"The least shall become a thousand," and "the sinner of an hundred years shall die."

For when the disciples asked who should be greatest in the kingdom of heaven, they received such an answer as this: "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven: whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

10. Woe be unto them who disdain to humble themselves willingly with little children; because the low gate of the kingdom of heaven will not give them entrance.