Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/172

Rh All is not lost, when a thing falleth out against thee.

Thou must not judge according to present feeling; nor so take any grief, or give thyself over to it, from whencesoever it cometh, as though all hope of escape were taken away.

4. Think not thyself wholly left, although for a time I have sent thee some tribulation, or even have withdrawn thy desired comfort; for this is the way to the kingdom of heaven.

And without doubt it is more expedient for thee and the rest of My servants, that ye be exercised with adversities, than that ye should have all things according to your desires.

I know the secret thoughts of thy heart, and that it is very expedient for thy welfare, that thou be sometimes left without spiritual enjoyment, lest perhaps thou shouldst be puffed up with thy prosperous estate, and shouldst be willing to please thyself in that which thou art not.

That which I have given, I can take away; and can restore it again when I please.

5. When I give it, it is Mine; when I withdraw it, I take not anything that is thine; for every good and every perfect gift is Mine.

If I send thee affliction, or any cross whatsoever, repine not, nor let thy heart fail thee: I can quickly succour thee, and turn all thy heaviness into joy.

Yet I am righteous and greatly to be praised, when I deal thus with thee.

6. If thou be wise, thou wilt never mourn dejectedly for any adversity, but rather wilt rejoice and give thanks.