The Imitation of Christ

The Third Chapter
THE
DOCTRINE OF TRUTH
HAPPY is he to whom truth manifests itself, not in signs and words that fade,but as it actually is. Our opinions, our senses often deceive us and we discern very little.

What good is much discussion of involved and obscure matters when ourignorance of them will not be held against us on Judgment Day? Neglect of thingswhich are profitable and necessary and undue concern with those which are irrelevantand harmful, are great folly.

We have eyes and do not see.

What, therefore, have we to do with questions of philosophy? He to whom theEternal Word speaks is free from theorizing. For from this Word are all things and ofHim all things speak -- the Beginning Who also speaks to us. Without this Word no manunderstands or judges aright. He to whom it becomes everything, who traces all thingsto it and who sees all things in it, may ease his heart and remain at peace with God.

O God, You Who are the truth, make me one with You in love everlasting. I amoften wearied by the many things I hear and read, but in You is all that I long for. Letthe learned be still, let all creatures be silent before You; You alone speak to me.

The more recollected a man is, and the more simple of heart he becomes, theeasier he understands sublime things, for he receives the light of knowledge fromabove. The pure, simple, and steadfast spirit is not distracted by many labors, for hedoes them all for the honor of God. And since he enjoys interior peace he seeks noselfish end in anything. What, indeed, gives more trouble and affliction thanuncontrolled desires of the heart?

A good and devout man arranges in his mind the things he has to do, notaccording to the whims of evil inclination but according to the dictates of right reason.Who is forced to struggle more than he who tries to master himself? This ought to beour purpose, then: to conquer self, to become stronger each day, to advance in virtue.

Every perfection in this life has some imperfection mixed with it and no learningof ours is without some darkness. Humble knowledge of self is a surer path to God thanthe ardent pursuit of learning. Not that learning is to be considered evil, or knowledge,which is good in itself and so ordained by God; but a clean conscience and virtuous lifeought always to be preferred. Many often err and accomplish little or nothing becausethey try to become learned rather than to live well.

If men used as much care in uprooting vices and implanting virtues as they do indiscussing problems, there would not be so much evil and scandal in the world, or suchlaxity in religious organizations. On the day of judgment, surely, we shall not be askedwhat we have read but what we have done; not how well we have spoken but how wellwe have lived.

Tell me, where now are all the masters and teachers whom you knew so well inlife and who were famous for their learning? Others have already taken their places andI know not whether they ever think of their predecessors. During life they seemed to besomething; now they are seldom remembered. How quickly the glory of the worldpasses away! If only their lives had kept pace with their learning, then their study andreading would have been worth while.

How many there are who perish because of vain worldly knowledge and toolittle care for serving God. They became vain in their own conceits because they chose tobe great rather than humble.He is truly great who has great charity.

He is truly great who is little in his owneyes and makes nothing of the highest honor. He is truly wise who looks upon allearthly things as folly that he may gain Christ. He who does God's will and renounceshis own is truly very learned.