# The Imitation of Christ — Chapters explained

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

- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/dedication.md): The author dedicates the volume to the Rev. Craufurd Tait, reflecting on his ordination and expressing hope that the Spirit which inspired the original author will continue to inspire him and the Church.
- [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/the-imitation-of-christ.md): This opening chapter calls the reader to follow Christ by despising worldly vanities and embracing humility. It contrasts the fleeting nature of human glory with the eternal truth of the Gospel, urging a life of interior
- [Book I: Admonitions Profitable for the Spiritual Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/book-i-admonitions-profitable-for-the-spiritual-life.md): This opening chapter introduces the foundational call to imitate Christ and despise the vanities of the world, emphasizing humility, self-denial, and the pursuit of interior spiritual life over worldly knowledge.
- [Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and All Its Vanities](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i.md): This chapter opens with Christ's call to follow Him for true illumination. It contrasts worldly vanity—pursuit of riches, honors, fleshly desires, and a long life—with the highest wisdom of loving and serving God alone. 
- [Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii.md): This chapter warns against the pride of knowledge and emphasizes the importance of humility and self-knowledge. It teaches that true wisdom lies in recognizing one's own frailty and valuing a good life over worldly learn

> 116 more chapter companions — [open a free preview](https://www.betterreads.dev/reader?bookId=the_imitation_of_christ_se_1125kb&preview=1) to unlock the rest.

- [Of the Knowledge of Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [Of Prudence in Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [Of the Reading of Holy Scripture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v.md)
- [Of Inordinate Affections](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [Of fleeing from vain hope and pride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [Of the danger of too much familiarity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii.md)
- [Of Obedience and Subjection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix.md)
- [Of the danger of superfluity of words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x.md)
- [Of seeking peace of mind, and of spiritual progress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi.md)
- [Of the Uses of Adversity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii.md)
- [Of Resisting Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiii.md)
- [On Avoiding Rash Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiv.md)
- [Of Works of Charity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv.md)
- [Of Bearing with the Faults of Others](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvi.md)
- [Of a religious life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii.md)
- [Of the Example of the Holy Fathers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xviii.md)
- [Of the exercises of a religious man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xix.md)
- [Of the Love of Solitude and Silence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xx.md)
- [Of Compunction of Heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxi.md)
- [On the Contemplation of Human Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxii.md)
- [Of meditation upon death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiii.md)
- [XXIV Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiv.md)
- [Of the Zealous Amendment of Our Whole Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxv.md)
- [Book II: Admonitions Concerning the Inner Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/book-ii-admonitions-concerning-the-inner-life.md)
- [Of the Inward Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i.md)
- [Of Lowly Submission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [Of the good, peaceable man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [Of a Pure Mind and Simple Intention](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [Of Self-Esteem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v.md)
- [Of the Joy of a Good Conscience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [Of loving Jesus above all things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [Of the Intimate Love of Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii.md)
- [Of the lack of all comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix.md)
- [Of Gratitude for the Grace of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x.md)
- [Of the fewness of those who love the Cross of Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi.md)
- [XII: Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii.md)
- [Book III: On Inward Consolation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/book-iii-on-inward-consolation.md)
- [Of the Inward Voice of Christ to the Faithful Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i.md)
- [What the Truth Saith Inwardly Without Noise of Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [How all the words of God are to be heard with humility, and how many consider them not](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [How we must walk in truth and humility before God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [Of the Wonderful Power of the Divine Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v.md)
- [Of the Proving of the True Lover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [Of Hiding Our Grace Under the Guard of Humility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [Of a low estimation of self in the sight of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii.md)
- [That all things are to be referred to God, as the final end](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix.md)
- [Chapter X: That it is sweet to despise the world and to serve God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x.md)
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi.md)
- [Of the inward growth of patience, and of the struggle against evil desires](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii.md)
- [Of the obedience of one in lowly subjection after the example of Jesus Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiii.md)
- [Of meditation upon the hidden judgments of God, that we may not be lifted up because of our well-doing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiv.md)
- [How we must stand and speak, in everything that we desire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv.md)
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvi.md)
- [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii.md)
- [That Temporal Miseries Are to Be Borne Patiently After the Example of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xviii.md)
- [Of bearing injuries, and who shall be approved as truly patient](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xix.md)
- [Of Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of This Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xx.md)
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxi.md)
- [Of the recollection of God's manifold benefits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxii.md)
- [Of four things which bring great peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiii.md)
- [Of Avoiding Curious Inquiry into the Life of Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiv.md)
- [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxv.md)
- [Of the exaltation of a free spirit, which humble prayer more deserveth than doth frequent reading](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxvi.md)
- [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxvii.md)
- [Against the Tongues of Detractors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxviii.md)
- [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxix.md)
- [Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxx.md)
- [Of the neglect of every creature, that the Creator may be found](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxi.md)
- [Of Self-Denial, and the Casting Away All Selfishness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxii.md)
- [Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxiii.md)
- [That to him who loveth God is sweet above all things and in all things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxiv.md)
- [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxv.md)
- [Against Vain Judgments of Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxvi.md)
- [Of pure and entire resignation of self, for the obtaining liberty of heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxvii.md)
- [Of a good government in external things, and of having recourse to God in dangers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxviii.md)
- [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxix.md)
- [That Man Hath No Good in Himself, and Nothing Whereof to Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xl.md)
- [Of Contempt of All Temporal Honour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xli.md)
- [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlii.md)
- [Against Vain and Worldly Knowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xliii.md)
- [Of not troubling ourselves about outward things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xliv.md)
- [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlv.md)
- [Of having confidence in God when evil words are cast at us](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlvi.md)
- [That all troubles are to be endured for the sake of eternal life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlvii.md)
- [Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of This Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlviii.md)
- [Of the desire after eternal life, and how great blessings are promised to those who strive.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlix.md)
- [How a desolate man ought to commit himself into the hands of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/l.md)
- [That we must give ourselves to humble works when we are unequal to those that are lofty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/li.md)
- [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lii.md)
- [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/liii.md)
- [Of the diverse motions of Nature and of Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/liv.md)
- [Of the corruption of Nature and the efficacy of Divine Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lv.md)
- [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lvi.md)
- [That a man must not be too much cast down, when he falleth into some faults](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lvii.md)
- [LVIII: Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments Which Are Not to Be Inquired Into](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lviii.md)
- [That all hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lix.md)
- [Book IV: Of the Sacrament of the Altar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/book-iv-of-the-sacrament-of-the-altar.md)
- [With how great reverence Christ must be received](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i.md)
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii.md)
- [That it is profitable to Communicate often](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii.md)
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv.md)
- [Of the dignity of this Sacrament, and of the office of the priest](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v.md)
- [An Inquiry Concerning Preparation for Communion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi.md)
- [Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii.md)
- [Of the Oblation of Christ upon the Cross, and of Resignation of Self](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii.md)
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix.md)
- [That Holy Communion is not lightly to be omitted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x.md)
- [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi.md)
- [That he who is about to Communicate with Christ ought to prepare himself with great diligence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii.md)
- [That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to yearn after union with Christ in the Sacrament](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiii.md)
- [Of the fervent desire of certain devout persons to receive the Body and Blood of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiv.md)
- [That the grace of devotion is acquired by humility and self-denial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv.md)
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvi.md)
- [Of Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii.md)
- [That a man should not be a curious searcher of the Sacrament, but a humble imitator of Christ, submitting his sense to holy faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xviii.md)
- [Endnotes](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/endnotes.md)

HTML index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters