Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/133

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Of Moderating our Desires.
119

O welcome service and ever to be desired, in which we are rewarded with the greatest good, and attain to joy which shall endlessly remain with us!

CHAPTER XI.

THAT THE LONGINGS AND DESIRES OF OUR HEARTS ARE TO BE EXAMINED AND MODERATED.

MY son, there are many things thou hast not yet well learned, which thou must learn.

What are these, O Lord?

That thou frame thy desires wholly according to My good pleasure; and that thou be not a lover of thyself, but an earnest follower of My will.

Various longings and desires oftentimes inflame thee, and drive thee forwards with vehemence; but do thou consider whether thou be not moved rather for thine own advantage, than for My honour.

If I be the cause, thou wilt be well content howsoever I shall ordain; but if there lurk in thee any self-seeking, behold, this it is that hindereth thee and weigheth thee down.

2. Beware therefore thou lean not too much upon any desire, conceived without asking My counsel, lest perhaps afterwards it repent thee, or thou be displeased with that which at first pleased thee, and which thou desiredst as the best.