# That a man must not be too much cast down, when he falleth into some faults explained — The Imitation of Christ

> Chapter companion for The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis.

## What happens

The chapter counsels the reader not to be overly discouraged by personal faults and adversities, emphasizing that patience and humility in trials are more pleasing to God than comfort in prosperity. It urges calm endurance, trust in God's help, and a focus on a good end rather than the number of sufferings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humility and Self-Denial

The chapter stresses patience and humility in adversities as more pleasing to God than comfort in prosperity.

### Suffering and the Cross

Tribulation is presented as a means for spiritual growth and a test of faith, to be borne patiently.

### Grace and Divine Dependence

The Lord promises to help and give consolation if the soul trusts in Him and calls devoutly upon Him.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Speaker of the consoling words 'My Son' and 'I yet live, saith the Lord' throughout the chapter.

### The Disciple

The voice responding in prayer, 'O Lord, blessed be Thy word...' and seeking a good end.

### God the Father

Implied as the source of grace and comfort, addressed as 'my God' in the closing prayer.

## Key lines

> My Son, patience and humility in adversities are more pleasing to Me than much comfort and devotion in prosperity.

God values a humble and patient response to hardship more than joyful devotion during easy times.

_Central teaching of the chapter on the value of suffering borne with humility._

> Put them away from thy heart as well as thou canst, and if tribulation hath touched thee, yet let it not cast thee down nor entangle thee long.

Do your best to dismiss troubles from your mind; if they affect you, do not let them overwhelm or trap you for long.

_Practical advice for maintaining inner peace amid trials._

> I yet live, saith the Lord, ready to help thee, and to give thee more than wonted consolation if thou put thy trust in Me, and call devoutly upon Me.

The Lord declares He is alive and eager to assist you, granting even greater comfort than usual if you trust and pray to Him sincerely.

_Promise of divine support and consolation for those who turn to God in trouble._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters