Thomas A Kempis 1.25 (Part 3) - Stronger growth in the spirit

How do so many other religious orders live? They are confined in the discipleship of the cloister: seldom going out, removed from the world, eating as the poorest, dressing rough, working much, talking little, watching long, rising early, prolonging their prayers, reading frequently, and in every way keeping discipline. Observe the monastic orders, the Carthusians and the Benedictines and the Cistercians, and the monks and nuns of different religions, rising up every night to sing to God. It would be shameful to sleep in and be lazy in such a holy work, where so many of the religious orders begin to rejoice in God.

Oh, if nothing else tied up our time, we could praise the Lord our God with our whole heart and voice! Oh, if you never needed to eat or drink or sleep, but could always praise God and give yourself to spiritual strength alone, you would be much happier than with the necessity of being servant to your body. I wish that these were not necessities, but only the spiritual refreshments of the soul, which sadly we taste too seldom.

When a man comes to this point that he seeks comfort from no creature, then for him God begins to be perfectly wise, then also he will be content in whatever circumstances. Then he will not rejoice over having plenty nor be sad over having little, but commits himself wholly and trustingly to God, who is all in all to him, to whom nothing is born or dies, but all things live to Him and wholly serve Him.

Remember always how things end, and how time lost does not return. Without heartfelt dedication and diligence you will never acquire virtues. If you begin to turn lukewarm, things will begin to go ill with you. But if you give yourself to enthusiasm you will find great peace, and you will feel lighter in your labor because of the grace of God and the love of virtue. A man who treasures virtue is ready for all things. It is harder work to resist sins and passions than to do manual labor. Whoever does not avoid small faults will slowly fall into greater ones. You will always be glad in the evening if you spent the day productively. Be mindful of your own progress, regardless of what others choose: do not neglect yourself. The progress you make will match the power of your effort. Amen.

(End of Book I)

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.25 (third part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.25 (Part 2) - Stronger growth in the spirit

We do not all have the same vices to conquer, the same evil desires to put to death. The one who is diligent -- even if he has more vices -- will have stronger success than someone who has fewer faults but less dedication to the pursuit of virtue. Two things in particular are helpful to greatly amending ourselves: withdrawing forcefully from the sin to which we are naturally most inclined, and pursuing fervently that good in which we are most lacking. Mark especially those faults you find most frequently in others, and study how to subdue them in yourself. 

You will make progress wherever you may be if you see or hear good examples and kindle your spirit to follow them. But if you see* anything blameworthy, be careful that you are not doing the same thing, or if sometime you have done it, quickly learn how to correct yourself. As your eye takes note of* others, so they are also taking note of you. How joyful and refreshing it is to see devoted and enthusiastic brothers in the faith who are self-controlled and sinless. How sad and distressful to see them walking disorderly, not walking the walk to which they are called. How hurtful it is to neglect the purpose of their calling, and to turn their inclinations to things which are not in keeping with their calling.

Be mindful of what you have seized as your purpose, and keep the image of the Crucified before yourself. You might well feel shame as you look on the life of Jesus Christ, because you have not yet made any great effort to conform yourself more to Him, though you have counted yourself as following God's way for a long time. Someone who is religious, who exercises himself seriously and devotedly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord, will find there all things that are useful and necessary. Neither is there any need to seek something better beyond Jesus. Oh! if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts, how quickly and completely we should have been instructed. 

A devoted religious person bears all things well, and receives all the commands given. The one who neglects his faith, who is lukewarm, has trouble upon trouble and suffers anguish from all sides: first because he is without inward consolation, and then because he is forbidden to seek that outward consolation. The one who claims a religious life but lives outside of that devotion risks serious ruin. Someone who is seeking that easier, more lenient path is always going to be in distress, because one thing or another will displease him.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.25 (second part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

* Here, again, it seems likely that the Latin text was mis-transcribed at some points (and again, f for s). Particularly, the online Latin text has "confideraverit" and "confiderat" where a more likely reading would be "consideraverit" and "considerat". I've translated accordingly. 

Thomas A Kempis 1.25 - The earnest amendment of our whole life

Be vigilant and diligent in God’s service, and spend some time considering what drew you to the spiritual life rather than the worldly one. Wasn't it a desire to live for God and become more spiritual? So be eager to improve, because you will receive your reward soon enough, and neither fear nor sorrow will trespass on your peace. A little bit of work now, and great rest -- better said, everlasting joy -- is what you'll find. If you remain faithful and fervent in what you do, no doubt God will be faithful and generous in rewarding. Holding fast to a good hope is your duty: hope that you will attain victory, though without falling into complacency which leads to indifference or arrogance. 

There was a certain man who was anxious, going back and forth between hope and fear. At one point he was overwhelmed with grief and cast himself down in prayer before the altar in a church, and meditated within himself, saying, “Oh! if I only knew if I should persevere to the end.” He heard within him a voice from God, “And if you did know it, what would you do? Do now what you would do then, and you shall be very secure.” And quickly he was comforted and strengthened. He committed himself to God's will, and all that anxiety stopped. He didn't need to obsess curiously about his own fate and what would come of him, but turned his mind instead to what was the good and perfect will of God for the start and completion of every good work.

Hope in the Lord and do good, says the Prophet; dwell in the land and you will feed on its riches. The one thing that holds back so many from progress, from amending their lives, is the dread of difficulty. The ones who excel in virtue are the ones who are willing to do the hard work, to conquer those things within themselves which are most grievous and contrary to them. That's where a man makes the most progress and deserves greater grace, where he most overcomes himself and conquers his own spirit.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.25 (first part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.24 (Part 2) - The Last Day sheds light on this world

Then it will be seen that the wise man in this world was the one who learned to be a fool and despised for Christ. Then every tribulation endured with patience will be a triumph, while every sin will stop the sinner's mouth. Then will all the faithful rejoice, and the religious recognize their merit. Then the physically afflicted will rejoice more than if their flesh had been constantly nourished by delights. Then the humbly clothed will shine in beauty, and fine clothes will lose their shine. Then the poor's small home will be praised more than the gilded palace. Then patience that endures will have more might than all the power of the the world. Then simple obedience will be more highly exalted than all worldly cunning.

Then a pure, simple conscience will be gladder than learned philosophy. Then contempt of riches will weigh more than all the treasure of the children of this world. Then you will take more comfort in devoted prayer than in fine food. Then you will rejoice more in silence than storytelling. Then holy actions will be far stronger than a stream of pretty words. Then a lawful life and heartfelt repentance will be worth more than all the pleasure in the world. Learn now to suffer a little, so that then you are freed from heavier ones. Test it here, try it now, what you are able to endure. If now you are able to bear so little, how will you be able to endure eternal torments? If so little suffering makes you so very impatient, what will happen in a literal hell? See certainly that you will not be able to have both joys, to live for delight here in this world, and to reign with Christ in the hereafter. 

If up to this day you had always lived in honor and pleasure, what gain would all that be if you died unexpectedly? All things then are pointless, except to love God and to serve Him solely*. For the one who loves God with his whole heart fears neither death, nor punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love gives sure access to God. But whoever still delights in sin, no wonder if he fears death and judgment. It is good that if love does not call you back from evil, at least the fear of judgment should cause you to check yourself. Whoever puts off even the fear of God cannot continue long in good, but quickly runs toward the traps set by the devil.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.24 (second part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

* Here the online Latin text that I'm using has "et illi foli servire", which makes no sense and I am taking as a transcription problem. I'm reading it as "et illi soli servire". Both the meaning and the typical writing style suggest to prefer "soli servire" instead of "foli servire", and s / f is a common transcription issue in some older texts, depending on the languages and penmanship. 

Thomas A Kempis 1.24 (Part 1) - The judgment and punishment of the wicked

Editorial comment: Now and then in translating this, my perspective is strongly different from the author's. Where he sees us facing justice where we each bear our burden alone, I see Christ in that picture with forgiveness and mercy, and will voice some amazement that he makes no mention of that. I'll skip the Lutheran comments about purgatory; they would be predictable and therefore hardly necessary. He anticipates Dante in some imaginative turns. Take from this section what you will; there are still some useful thoughts in it.

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Always keep an eye on how things will end. You will stand before a strict judge. Nothing is hidden from him. He won't be bribed. He doesn't take excuses. Whatever is justice, that is his judgment. O most miserable and foolish, what will you answer to God, who knows every evil done? You sometimes fear the face of an angry man. Can't you foresee yourself on the day of judgment? The day when no one can be excused or defended by someone else, but each shall bear his burden himself alone? Not then but now is the time when your labor can bear fruit, when your tears are acceptable, your groans are heard, your sorrow is satisfying to God and cleansing to your soul.

There is a great and healthy purification for the patient man -- who when he is injured, is more grieved by the other's malice than by his own injury; who willingly prays for those who are against him, and forgives from the heart; who does not delay in asking forgiveness from others; who is more easily moved to pity than anger; who frequently denies himself and in all things strives for his flesh to be subject to his spirit. It is better to purify ourselves from sins, to cut off our vices now, than to save those sins and vices for later, from which we must be purified hereafter. Truly, we are fooling ourselves with that unhealthy love we have towards the flesh.

Let me ask you, what will that fire of judgment devour, except for your sins? The more you spare yourself and chase after the flesh, the harder you are making it for yourself, and the more fuel for the fire. In whatever way a man has sinned, he shall be punished more seriously. There shall the idle(?) be purified with burning spurs, and the gluttons be tormented with unbearable hunger and thirst. There shall the lovers of luxury and pleasure be covered with burning pitch and stinking brimstone. And like mad dogs, the envious will howl. 

There won't be a single sin that doesn't have its own punishment. There the cocky will be confused, and the greedy will be held back by poverty. There, one hour will be a more severe punishment than a hundred years on earth of the bitterest penance. In that place there is no rest for the lost or comfort for the condemned. Here, sometimes there is rest from labors and enjoyment of the comfort of friends. Now is the time to be concerned about your vices and sorrowful for your sins, so that on the day of judgment you may be immediately secure among the blessed. In that day the righteous will stand in great steadiness against them, who have caused affliction and distress. Then will he stand up to judge, who now humbly submits himself to the judgments of men. Then the poor and humble will have great confidence, while fear on every side will overtake the proud. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.24 (first part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.23 (Part 2) Meditation on Mortality

You, most dear in the Lord, you might free yourself from much danger and fear, if the fear of death were the only one in your mind! Apply yourself now to live so that the hour of death brings no fear, but rather joy. Learn now to die to the world, so that already you begin to live with Christ. Learn now to despise other things so that you may freely go to Christ. Keep your body in penitence, and you will be able to have a sure confidence.

Fool, do you think that you shall live long, when you are not sure of a single day? How many have been deceived, and have been drawn from the body unexpectedly! How often have you heard people speak of death: that one died violently, another drowned, another fell and broke his neck, another choked, another died while at play. They'll say someone died in a fire, someone died being stabbed, another from disease, another by a robber. For all, the end is death, and human life is gone as fast as a shadow. 

Who will keep your memory after your death, and who will pray for you? Most dear in the Lord, now is the time to do all you can for yourself, because you do not know when you will die. Neither do you know what will happen to you after death. While you have time, store up immortal treasure. Consider your salvation, and think of nothing else. Only for the things of God, spend your care. Make yourself friends by venerating the saints, imitating their works, so that when this life fails, they will receive you into your eternal home. 

Carry yourself as a pilgrim and guest on this earth, to whom the concerns of this world are nothing. Keep your heart free, upright, and uplifted towards God, for here have we no enduring city. To Him your prayers and groans are daily directed with tears, that your spirit may deserve after death to pass happily to the Lord.

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.23 (second part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art

Thomas A Kempis 1.23 (Part 1) Meditation on mortality

Very quickly a certain thing will happen to you; watch how it will be. Today a man exists, and tomorrow he does not appear. And when he is no longer before our eyes, he passes out of our minds. Oh the dullness and hardness of the human heart, which solely sees the present, and does not ponder the future. In every action, in every thought, hold yourself as if you would die immediately. If you had a good conscience, you would not fear death much. It would be better to be careful of sin than to flee from death. If today you are not ready, how do you think you will be tomorrow? Tomorrow is an uncertain day, and how do you know that you'll have a tomorrow?

What does it gain to live long when we improve little? Long life does not always improve, but often increases our faults even more. I wish that for one day we could live well in the world. Many people count up the years since their conversion, but often cannot count the fruit of a changed life. If it is a fearful thing to die, it may be more dangerous to live long. Blessed are they who keep the hour of death always before their eyes, and prepare each day for the end. If you have seen someone die, consider that you will pass away the same way.

In the morning, consider that you may not reach the evening. When evening is done, do not promise yourself tomorrow. Stay ready, and live in such a way that death never finds you unprepared. Many die suddenly and unexpectedly. "In an hour that you do not expect, the Son of Man comes." When that last hour comes, you will begin to feel very differently about your whole life to that point, and will grieve much that you were so negligent and careless.

How happy and wise is someone who strives now to live his life as he wishes to be found in death! To give the soul great confidence in the face of death, have a perfect contempt of the world, a fervent desire to excel in virtues, a love of discipline, the job of repentance, readiness, self-denial, and submission to any adversity for love of Christ. You can do so many good works while you have your health, but when infirmity overtakes you, I don't know what you can do then. Few are made better through infirmity: likewise those who make many pilgrimages rarely return more holy.

Do not rely on your friends and neighbors, and do not defer your wellbeing to the future, for people will forget you more quickly than you think. It is better for you to take the time now to provide for yourself, and to prepare good for the future, rather than hope for the help of others. If you do not make good provision for yourself now, who do you suppose will make good provision for you later? Now the time is most precious. Sadly you take your time and spend it uselessly, when you could lay up treasure for eternal life. There will come a day or hour when you long to make yourself better, and I do not know whether you will have it. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.23 (first part).

Translation focused on contemporary English and preservation of rhetorical force and art