Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/188

Rh

LWAYS commit thy cause to Me. I will dispose well of it in due time.

Wait for My ordering of it, and thou shalt find it will be for thy good.

O Lord, I do most cheerfully commit all unto Thee, for my care can little avail.

Would that I did not so much dwell on future things, but gave myself up cheerfully to Thy good pleasure.

2. My son, oftentimes a man vehemently struggleth for something he desireth, and when he hath arrived at it, he beginneth to be of another mind; for man's affections do not long continue fixed on one object, but rather do urge him from one thing to another.

It is therefore no small benefit for a man to forsake himself even in the smallest things.

3. The true profiting of a man consisteth in the denying of himself; and he that thus denieth himself, liveth in great freedom and security.

But the old enemy, who always setteth himself against all that are good, ceaseth at no time from tempting, but day and night lieth grievously in wait, to cast the unwary, if he can, headlong into the snare of deceit.

Therefore, saith our Lord, "Watch ye, and pray, that ye enter not into temptation."