Son, when thou perceivest the desire of eternal bliss to be infused into thee from above, and thou wouldst fain go out of the tabernacle of this body, that thou mightest contemplate My brightness without any shadow of change--enlarge thy heart, and receive this holy inspiration with thy whole desire. [Footnote 4: From "The Imitation of Christ." Altho commonly ascribed to Thomas à Kempis, there has been much controversy as to the real authorship of this famous work. Many early editions bear the name of Thomas, including one of the year 1471, which is sometimes thought to be the first. As against his authorship it is contended that he was a professional copyist, and that the use of his name in the first edition conformed to a custom that belonged more to a transcriber than to an author. One of the earliest English versions of Thomas à Kempis was made by Wyllyam Atkynson and printed by Wykyns de Worde in 1502. A translation by Edward Hake appeared in 1567. Many other early English editions are known.] Return the greatest thanks to the Supreme Goodness, which dealeth so condescendingly with thee, mercifully visiteth thee, ardently inciteth thee, and powerfully raiseth thee up, lest by thy own weight thou fall down to the things of earth. For it is not by thy own thoughtfulness or endeavor that thou receivest this, but by the mere condescension of heavenly grace and divine regard; that so thou mayest advance in virtues and greater humility, and prepare thyself for future conflicts, and labor with the whole affection of thy heart to keep close to Me, and serve Me with a fervent will. Son, the fire often burneth, but the flame ascendeth not without smoke. And so the desires of some are on fire after heavenly things, and yet they are not free from the temptation of carnal affection. Therefore is it not altogether purely for God's honor that they act, when they so earnestly petition Him. Such also is oftentimes thy desire, which thou hast profest to be so importunate. For that is not pure and perfect which, is alloyed with self-interest. Ask not that which is pleasant and convenient, but that which is acceptable to Me and My honor; for if thou judgest rightly, thou oughtest to prefer and to follow My appointment rather than thine own desire or any other desirable thing. I know thy desire, and I have often heard thy groanings. Thou wouldst wish to be already in the liberty of the glory of the children of God. Now doth the eternal dwelling, and the heavenly country full of festivity, delight thee. But that hour is not yet come; for there is yet another time, a time of war, a time of labor and of probation. Thou desirest to be filled with the Sovereign Good, but thou canst not at present attain to it. I am He: wait for Me, saith the Lord, until the kingdom of God come. Thou hast yet to be tried upon earth and exercised in many things. Consolation shall sometimes be given thee, but abundant satiety shall not be granted thee.