Thomas A Kempis 1.20 (Part 2) - Loving solitude and silence

No one is worthy of heavenly consolation without diligently exercising in holy contrition. If you want to feel compunction in the heart, go into your closet and shut out the noise of the world, as it is written, Commune with your own heart in your own room and be still (from Psalm 4:4, Vulgate). In private you will find what you often lose in public. Privacy, if continued, grows sweet; if neglected, it's boring. If in the beginning of contemplation you're fully present and guard it well, then with time it will become a dear friend, and a most pleasant consolation.

In silence and quiet there is gain for the devoted soul, learning the hidden things of the Scriptures. There he finds a fountain of tears with which to wash and cleanse the soul at night, that the soul may grow more familiar to its Maker, distancing itself from worldly noise. Whoever withdraws from his acquaintance and friends, God draws near with his holy angels. It is better to be on the sidelines and care for the soul, than to neglect the soul and work wonders. It is praiseworthy for a religious man to go out rarely, to avoid being seen, and not to see others. 

Why do you desire to see what it is not permissible to have? The world passes away and its worldly desires. These desires of sensuality draw you out to wander. But when an hour is past, what did it bring but a weight on your conscience and a distraction to your heart? A delightful departure brings a sorrowful return, and a merry evening makes a sad morning. So all carnal joys look harmless at first, but in the end it comes back to bite you. 

What can you see anywhere that can last long in this world? You think maybe you'll reach satisfaction, but you'll be unable to attain it. If you could see everything that there is, what would be the point in what you've seen? Lift your eyes to God on high, and pray for your sins and your neglect. Let go of things which are doing you no good anyway, and focus your mind where God has directed. Close your door, and call on Jesus as the one you love. Stay with him in private; you will not find so much peace anywhere else. If you hadn't gone out and heard the latest gossip and rumors, it would have been better for your peace of mind. Because sometimes it delights you to hear news, you have to endure a troubled heart. 

Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis, 1.20 (second part, it's a long chapter to translate in one sitting). 

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