Complete. “Imitation of Christ,” Chap. xii.

IT is good that we have sometimes some troubles and crosses; for they often make a man enter into himself, and consider that he is here in banishment, and ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing.

  It is good that we be sometimes contradicted, and that there be an evil or a lessening conceit had of us; and this, although we do and intend well.

  These things help often to the attaining of humility, and defend us from vainglory; for then we chiefly seek God for our inward witness, when outwardly we be condemned by men, and when there is no credit given unto us.

  And therefore a man should settle himself so fully in God that he need not to seek many comforts of men with evil thoughts; then he understandeth better the great need he hath of God, without whom he perceiveth he can do nothing that is good.

  Then also he sorroweth, lamenteth, and prayeth, by reason of the miseries he suffereth.

  Then he is weary of living longer, and wisheth that death would come, that he might be dissolved and be with Christ.

  Then also he well perceiveth that perfect security and full peace cannot be had in this world.