Page:Imitation-of-christ-1901.djvu/90

Rh It is preferable to have all the world against us, rather than to have offended with us.

Amongst all therefore that be dear unto us, let alone be especially beloved.

4. Love all for, but for Himself.

Christ alone is singularly to be loved; and He alone is found Good and Faithful above all friends.

For Him, and in Him, let friends as well as foes be dear unto thee; and all these are to be prayed for, that He would make them all to know and to love Him.

Never desire to be singularly commended or beloved, for that appertaineth only unto God, who hath none like unto Himself.

Neither do thou desire that the heart of any should be set on thee, nor do thou set thy heart on the love of any; but let be in thee, and in every good man.

5. Be pure and free within, and entangle not thy heart with any creature.

Thou oughtest to be naked and open before God, ever carrying thy heart pure towards Him, if thou wouldst be free to consider and see how sweet the Lord is.

And truly, unless thou be prevented and drawn by His grace, thou shalt never attain to that happiness of forsaking and taking leave of all, that thou alone mayest be united to Him alone.

For when the grace of God cometh unto a man, then he is made able for all things. And when it goeth away, then he is poor and weak.