Chapter 11. That the desires of the heart are to be examined and governed (Book 3. On Inward Consolation as a Gift of God) (The Imitation of Christ) (a-Kempis, Thomas)

1. "My Son, you have still many things to learn, which you have not well learned yet."

2. What are they, Lord?

3. "To place your desire altogether in subjection to My good pleasure, and not to be a lover of yourself, but an earnest seeker of My will. Your desires often excite and urge you forward; but consider with yourself whether you are not more moved for your own objects than for My honour. If it is Myself that you seek, you will be well content with whatsoever I shall ordain; but if any pursuit of your own lies hidden within you, behold it is this which hinders and weighs you down.

4. "Beware, therefore, not to strive too earnestly after some desire which you have conceived, without taking counsel of Me; in case by chance it repent you afterwards, and that displease you which before pleased, and for which you did long as for a great good. For not every affection which seems good is to be forthwith followed; neither is every opposite affection to be immediately avoided. Sometimes it is expedient to use restraint even in good desires and wishes, in case through importunity you fall into distraction of mind, in case through want of discipline you become a stumbling-block to others, or in case by the resistance of others you be suddenly disturbed and brought to confusion.

5. "Sometimes, indeed, it is needful to use violence, and manfully to strive against the sensual appetite, and not to consider what the flesh may or not will; but rather to strive after this, that it may become subject, however unwillingly, to the spirit. And for so long it ought to be chastised and compelled to undergo slavery, even until it be ready for all things, and learn to be contented with little, to be delighted with things simple, and never to murmur at any inconvenience."