So that when we have read and searched all, let this be the last conclusion, that by many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God. An Extract of the CHRISTIAN PATTERN: Or, a treatise on the imitation of Christ. Written in Latin by _Thomas a Kempis_. BOOK III. CHAPTER I. _Of the inward speech of Christ unto a faithful soul._ _Christian._ I WILL hear what the Lord God will speak in me. Blessed is the soul that heareth the Lord speaking _in her_, and receiveth from his mouth the word of comfort. Blessed are those ears that receive the whispers of the divine voice, and listen not to the whisperings of the world. Blessed indeed are those ears that hearken not to the voice which soundeth outwardly, but unto the truth which teacheth inwardly. Blessed are the eyes which are shut to outward things, but open to those that are internal. Blessed are they that delight to be at leisure for God, and rid themselves of all worldly impediments. 2. Consider these things, my soul, and shut up the door of thy sensual desires, that thou mayest hear what the Lord God speaketh in thee. *_Christ._ I am thy peace, thy life, and thy salvation. *Keep thyself with me, and thou shalt find peace. Leave all transitory, and seek everlasting things. What are all temporal things, but snares? And what do all creatures avail thee, if thou be forsaken by thy Creator? Forsake therefore all earthly things, and labour to please thy Creator, and be faithful unto him, that thou mayst attain true happiness. CHAPTER II. _That truth speaketh inwardly, without noise of words._ *_Christian._ SPEAK, Lord, for thy servant heareth. *I am thy servant, grant me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. *Incline my heart to the words of thy mouth. Let thy speech distil as the dew. The children of Israel said unto _Moses_, _Speak thou unto us, and we will hear thee: let not the Lord speak unto us, lest we die_. *Not so, Lord, not so, I beseech thee; but rather with the prophet Samuel, I humbly and earnestly intreat, _Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth_. *Let not Moses speak unto me, nor any of the prophets; but do thou rather speak, O Lord God, the inspirer and enlightner of all the prophets; for thou alone, without them, canst perfectly instruct me; but they, without thee can profit nothing. 2. They, indeed, may sound forth words, but they cannot give spirit. They speak well; but if thou be silent, they inflame not the heart. They teach the letter, but thou openest the sense. They bring forth mysteries, but thou unlockest the meaning of them. They declare thy commandments, but thou helpest to fulfil them. They shew the way, but thou givest strength to walk in it. They work only outwardly, but thou instructest and enlightnest the heart.