I

IMITATION OF CHRIST

1. There is no progress but in the imitation of Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the Gate by which he who will be saved must enter. Every spirit, therefore, that will walk in sweetness at its ease, shunning the imitation of Christ, is, in my opinion, nothing worth.
2. Your first care must be to be anxiously and lovingly earnest in your endeavours to imitate Christ in all your actions; doing everyone of them to the uttermost of your power, as our Lord Himself would have done them.
3. Every satisfaction offered to the senses which is not for God’s honour and glory you must renounce and reject for the love of Jesus Christ, Who, while upon earth, had, and sought for, no other pleasure than doing the will of His Father; this, He said, was His meat and drink.
4. In none of your actions whatever should you take any man, however holy he may be, for your example, because Satan is sure to put his imperfections forward so as to attract your attention. Rather imitate Jesus Christ, Who is supremely perfect and supremely holy. So doing you will never fall into error.
5. Inwardly and outwardly live always crucified with Christ, and you will attain unto peace and contentment of spirit, and in your patience you shall possess your soul.
6. Let Christ crucified alone be enough for you; with Him suffer, with Him take your rest, never rest nor suffer without Him; striving with all your might to rid yourself of all selfish affections and inclinations in the annihilation of self.
7. He who makes any account whatever of himself, neither denies himself nor follows Christ.
8. Love tribulations more than all good things, and do not imagine that you are doing anything when you endure them; so shall you please Him who did not hesitate to die for you.
9. If you wish to attain to the possession of Christ, never seek Him without the Cross.
10. He who seeks not the Cross of Christ, seeks not the glory of Christ.
11. Desire to make yourself in suffering somewhat like our great God, humiliated and crucified; for life, if not an imitation of Him, is worth nothing.
12. What does he know who does not know how to suffer for Christ? The greater and the heavier the sufferings—when suffering is in question—the better is his lot who suffers.
13. All men desire to enter into the treasures and consolations of God; but few desire to enter into tribulations and sorrows for the Son of God.
14. Jesus Christ is but little known of those who consider themselves His friends; for we see them seeking in Him their own comfort, and not His bitter sorrows.

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John of the Cross. (1864). The Complete Works of Saint John of the Cross, of the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. (D. Lewis, Trans.) (Vol. 2, pp. 346–347). London: Longman, Green, Longman, Roberts, & Green.