<h1 style="text-align: center;">The Imitation of Christ&nbsp;by Thomas à Kempis -&nbsp;CHAPTER IX</h1>
<p class="center" style="text-align: center;"><strong>Of the lack of all comfort</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">It is no hard thing to despise human comfort when divine is present. It is a great thing, yea very great, to be able to bear the loss both of human and divine comfort; and for the love of God willingly to bear exile of heart, and in nought to seek oneself, nor to look to one’s own merit. What great matter is it, if thou be cheerful of heart and devout when favour cometh to thee? That is an hour wherein all rejoice. Pleasantly enough doth he ride whom the grace of God carrieth. And what marvel, if he feeleth no burden who is carried by the Almighty, and is led onwards by the Guide from on high?</p>
