Of supporting injuries; and who is proved to be truly patient.
1 min • Digitized on November 18, 2021
From Imitation of Christ, in file "Imitation of Christ", page 182
By Thomas a Kempis
1. What is it thou sayest, my Son? Cease to complain, considering my passion, and that of other saints:
Thou hast not yet resisted unto blood:
What thou sufferedst is but little, in comparison of them who have suffered so much; who have been so strongly tempted, so grievously afflicted, so many ways tried and exercised.
Thou must then call to mind the heavy sufferings of others, that thou mayest the easier bear the little things thou sufferest.
And if to thee they seemed not little, take heed lest this also proceed from thy impatience.
But whether they be little or great, strive to bear them all with patience.
2. The better thou disposest thyself to sufferings, the more wisely dost thou act, and the more dost thou merit; and thou wilt bear it more easily, thy mind being well prepared for it, and accustomed to it.
Do not say, I cannot take these things from such a man, and things of this kind are not to be suffered by me, for he has done me a great injury, and he upbraids me with things I never thought on; but I will suffer willingly from another, and as far as I shall judge fitting for me to suffer.