Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/85

Rh

HE glory of a good man, is the testimony of a good conscience.

Have a good conscience, and thou shalt ever have joy.

A good conscience is able to bear very much, and is very cheerful in adversities.

An evil conscience is always fearful and unquiet.

Thou shalt rest sweetly, if thy heart do not condemn thee.

Never rejoice, but when thou hast done well.

Sinners have never true joy, nor feel inward peace; because "There is no peace to the wicked," saith the Lord.

And if they should say, "We are in peace, no evil shall fall upon us, and who shall dare to hurt us?" believe them not; for upon a sudden will arise the wrath of God, and their deeds shall be brought to nought, and their thought shall perish.

2. To glory in tribulation, is no hard thing for him that loveth; for so to glory, is to glory in the Cross of the Lord.

That glory is short, which is given and received from men.

Sorrow always accompanieth the world's glory.

The glory of the good is in their consciences, and not in the tongues of men. The gladness of the just is of God, and in God: and their joy is of the truth.