Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/96

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82
Of Gratitude for the Grace of God.

3. I desire not that consolation that taketh from me compunction; nor do I affect that contemplation which leadeth to haughtiness.

For all that is high is not holy; nor all that is sweet, good; nor every desire, pure; nor is everything that is dear unto us pleasing to God.

Willingly do I accept that grace, whereby I may ever be found more humble, and more affected with holy fear, and may become more ready to renounce myself.

He that is taught by the gift of grace, and schooled by the withdrawing thereof, will not dare to attribute any good to himself, but will rather acknowledge himself poor and naked.

Give unto God that which is God's, and ascribe unto thyself that which is thine own; that is, give thanks to God for His grace; and acknowledge that to thyself alone is to be attributed sin, and the punishment due to sin.

4. Set thyself always in the lowest place and the highest shall be given thee: for the highest cannot stand without the lowest.

The chiefest Saints before God are the least in their own judgments; and the more glorious they are, so much the humbler within themselves.

Those that are full of truth and heavenly glory, are not desirous of empty glory.

Those that are firmly settled and grounded in God, can in no way be proud.

And they that ascribe all good unto God, whatsoever they have received, seek not glory one of another, but wish for that glory which is from God alone; and