Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/87

Rh

LESSED is he that understandeth what it is to love, and to despise himself for ' sake.

Thou oughtest to leave thy beloved for the beloved; for must be loved alone above all things.

The love of things created is deceitful and inconstant; the love of is faithful and constant.

He that cleaveth unto creatures, shall fall with that which is subject to fall; he that embraceth shall stand firm for ever.

Love Him, and keep Him for thy friend, Who, when all go away, will not forsake thee, nor suffer thee to perish.

Sometime or other thou must be separated from all, whether thou wilt or no.

2. Keep close to both in life and in death, and commit thyself unto His faithfulness. Who, when all fail, can alone help thee.

Thy Beloved is of such nature, that He will admit of no rival; but will have thy heart alone, and sit on His own Throne as King.

If thou couldst empty thyself perfectly from all things created, would willingly dwell with thee.

Whatsoever trust thou reposest in men, out of, is all little better than lost.

Trust not nor lean upon a reed shaken by the