Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/121

Rh

Y son, thou art not a courageous and considerate lover.

sayest Thou this, O Lord?

for a slight opposition thou givest over thy undertakings, and too eagerly seeketh consolation.

A courageous lover standeth firm in temptations, and giveth no credit to the crafty persuasions of the enemy. As I please him in prosperity, so in adversity I am not unpleasing to him.

2. A considerate lover regardeth not so much the gift of him who loves him, as the love of the giver.

He esteems the good will rather than the value of the gift, and sets all gifts below him whom he loves.

A noble-minded lover resteth not in the gift, but in Me above every gift.

All therefore is not lost, if sometimes thou thinkest less of Me or My saints than thou wouldest.

That good and sweet affection which thou sometimes feelest, is the effect of grace present, and is a foretaste of thy heavenly home: but hereon thou must not lean too much, for it cometh and goeth.

But to strive against evil thoughts which may befall thee, and to reject with scorn the suggestions of the devil, is notable sign of virtue, and brings great reward.