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Show e 9 ,j , r a IMITATION OF CHRIST CHAPTER CHAP-TER XXXI. Of the Contempt of All Creatures In Order to Find Out the Creator. Lord, I stand much in need of a grace yet greater, if it be thy will that 1 should attain to that state where neither man nor any creature shall be a hindrance to me. For as long as anything holds me back, I cannot freely free-ly fly to Thee. He was desirous to fly freely to Thee who said: "Who will give me the wirfgs of a dove, and I will fly and be at rest?" What can be more at rest than a simple eye? And what can be more free than he who desires nothing upon earth? A man ought, therefore, to soar above everything created, and perfectly to forsake himself, and in ecstasy of mind to stand and see. that Thou, the Creator Crea-tor of all, hast nothing like to Thee among' creatures. And unless a man be disengaged from all things created, he cannot freely to attend to things devine. And this is the reason why there are found so few contemplative persons, because there are few that know how to sequester se-quester themselves entirely from perishable per-ishable things. For this a great grace is required, such as may elevate the soul, and lift her up above herself. And unless a man be elevated in spirit, and freed from all attachment to fellow creatures, and wholly united a a o.9 .00 . ao miimK to God, whatever he knows, and whatever what-ever he has. is of no great importance. For a' long time shall he be little, and lie grovelling beneath, who esteems es-teems anything great but only the one, immense, eternal good. And whatsoever whatso-ever is not God is nothing, and ought to be accounted as nothing. There is a great difference between the wisdom of an illuminated and devout de-vout man. and the knowledge of a learned and studious cleric. Far more noble is that learning which flows from above from the dirine influence, than that which is laboriously acquired by the industry of man. Many are found-to desire contemplation, contempla-tion, but they are not careful to practice prac-tice thone things which are required for its attainment. It is also a great impediment, that we rest so much upon up-on signs and sensible things, and have but little of perfect mortification. I know not what it is, by what spirit we are led, or what we pretend to. who seem to be called spiritual persons, that we take so much pains and are so full of anxiety for transitory and mean things, and seldom or never think with full recollection of mind on our own inward concernments. Alas, after a slight recollection, we presently break forth again; neither do we weigh well our works by a strict examination. Nature looketh upon the exterior of a man; but grace turneth itself to the interior. Nature is often in error; but gTace hath her trust in God, that so she may not be deceived. |