
The Imitation of Christ – Thomas À Kempis
“Direct the fire of your anger against yourself; do not let pride, that monstrous growth, draw nourishment from you any more; but shew yourself so submissive, so unimportant, that everyone may walk over you, trample you like mud in the streets. And if they do, what reason have you to complain, you worthless man? Filthy sinner that you are, what answer can you make to those who reproach you, you who have so often offended God, so many a time deserved hell? And yet my pity spared you, because your soul was precious in my sight; I wanted you to come to the knowledge of my love, to be ever grateful for my kindness towards you; to give yourself unceasingly to true submission and humility, and to bear with patience the scorn of others.”
The Imitation of Christ – Thomas À Kempis
Book III, Chapter XIII « On Humble Obedience, After The Example of Jesus Christ »
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You can also read: Bk I, Ch II « On Taking A Low View Of Oneself »