Chapter 51. That we must give ourselves to humble works when we are unequa... (Book 3. On Inward Consolation as a Gift of God) (The Imitation of Christ) (a-Kempis, Thomas)

1. "My Son, you are not always able to continue in very fervent desire after virtues, nor to stand fast in the loftier region of contemplation; but you must of necessity sometimes descend to lower things because of your original corruption, and bear about the burden of corruptible life, though unwillingly and with weariness. So long as you wear a mortal body, you will feel weariness and heaviness of heart. Therefore you ought to groan often in the flesh because of the burden of the flesh, inasmuch as you can not give yourself to spiritual studies and divine contemplation unceasingly.

2. "At such a time it is expedient for you to flee to humble and external works, and to renew yourself with good actions; to wait for My coming and heavenly visitation with sure confidence; to bear your exile and drought of mind with patience, until you be visited by Me again, and be freed from all anxieties. For I will cause you to forget your labours, and altogether to enjoy eternal peace. I will spread open before you the pleasant pastures of the Scriptures, that with enlarged heart you may begin to run in the way of My commandments. And you will say, 'The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.'"

Romans viii. 18.