Chapter 38. Of a good government in external things, and of having recourse... (Book 3. On Inward Consolation as a Gift of God) (The Imitation of Christ) (a-Kempis, Thomas)

1. "My Son, for this you must diligently make your endeavour, that in every place and outward action or occupation you may be free within, and have power over yourself; and that all things be under you, not you under them; that you be master and ruler of your actions, not a slave or hireling, but rather a free and true Hebrew, entering into the lot and the liberty of the children of God, who stand above the present and look upon the eternal, who with the left eye behold things transitory, and with the right things heavenly; whom temporal things draw not to cleave to, but who rather draw temporal things to do them good service, even as they were ordained of God to do, and appointed by the Master Workman, who has left nought in His creation without aim and end.

2. "And if in any chance of life you stand not in outward appearances, nor judgest things which are seen and heard by the fleshly sense, but immediately in every cause enterest with Moses into the tabernacle to ask counsel of God; you will hear a divine response and come forth instructed concerning many things that are and shall be. For always Moses had recourse to the tabernacle for the solving of all doubts and questionings; and fled to the help of prayer to be delivered from the dangers and evil deeds of men. Thus also ought you to fly to the secret chamber of your heart, and earnestly implore the divine succour. For this cause we read that Joshua and the children of Israel were deceived by the Gibeonites, that they asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord, but being too ready to listen to fair speeches, were deceived by pretended piety."

Joshua ix. 14.