Of the Imitation of Christ/Book I/Chapter VI
CHAPTER VI.
OF INORDINATE AFFECTIONS.
LY the tumult of the world as much as thou canst; for the talk of worldly affairs is a great hindrance, although it be done with sincere intention; For we are quickly defiled, and enthralled by vanity.
The man that is not perfectly dead to himself is quickly tempted and overcome in trifling things.
The weak in spirit, and he that is carnal and prone to the things of sense, can hardly withdraw himself altogether from earthly desires.
Therefore he is often afflicted when he goeth about to withdraw himself from them; and is easily angered when he is opposed.
2. And if he hath followed his appetite, he is presently disquieted with remorse; for that he hath yielded to his passion, which helpeth him not to obtain the peace which he sought.
Therefore true quietness of heart is gotten by resisting our passions, not by obeying them.
There is no peace in the heart of a carnal man, nor in him that is given to outward things, but in the spiritual and devout man.