Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/229

Rh If thou wilt possess a blessed life, despise this present life.

If thou, wilt be exalted in heaven, humble thyself in this world.

If thou wilt reign with Me, bear the cross with Me.

For only the servants of the cross can find the way of blessedness and of true light.

3., forasmuch as Thy life was narrow and despised by the world, grant me to imitate Thee, though the world despise me.

For the servant is not greater than his Lord, nor the disciple above his Master.

Let Thy servant be exercised in Thy life, for therein my salvation and my true holiness consisteth.

Whatsoever I read or hear besides it, doth not give me full refreshment or delight.

4. son, inasmuch as thou knowest and hast read all these things, happy shalt thou be, if thou do them.

He that hath My commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and I will love him, and will manifest Myself unto him, and will make him sit together with Me in My Father's kingdom.

, as Thou hast said and promised, so let it come to pass, and grant that I may not be wholly undeserving of this favour.

I have received the cross from Thy hand; I have borne it, and will bear it even unto death, even as Thou hast laid it upon me.