Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/112

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Of hearing God's Word with Humility.

CHAPTER III.

THAT THE WORDS OF GOD ARE TO BE HEARD WITH HUMILITY, AND THAT MANY WEIGH THEM NOT.

MY son, hear my words, words of greatest sweetness, surpassing all the knowledge of the philosophers and wise men of this world.

"My words are Spirit and Life," and not to be weighed by the understanding of man.

They are not to be drawn forth for vain approbation, but to be heard in silence, and to be received with all humility and great affection.

And I said, Blessed is the man whom Thou shalt instruct, Lord, and shalt teach out of Thy law, that Thou mayest give him rest from the evil days, and that he be not desolate upon earth.

2. I taught the prophets from the beginning (saith the Lord), and cease not, even to this day, to speak to all; but many are hardened, and deaf to My voice.

Men do more willingly listen to the world than to God; they sooner follow the desires of their own flesh, than God's good pleasure.

The world promiseth things temporal and mean, and is served with great eagerness: I promise things most high and eternal; and yet the hearts of men remain torpid.