The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Dedication explained
The author dedicates the volume to the Rev.
What happens
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story’s dramatic climax because the speaker reaches an emotional and psychological peak of total s…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Grace and Divine Dependence
The prayer for the Spirit to inspire the dedicatee emphasizes reliance on divine grace.
Characters to notice
- Rev. Craufurd Tait
The dedicatee, who has made a profession and been ordained.
- Thomas à Kempis
The original author of the work, mentioned as being inspired six hundred years ago.
- God the Father
Implied as the source of the Spirit and the one to whom the vow is made.
Key passages
“I write this on the evening of the day on which, I believe, you have made a good profession before many witnesses, and bound yourself by a solemn vow to the Lord.”
I am writing this on the evening of the day you publicly declared your faith and committed yourself to God through a sacred promise.
Describes the occasion of Craufurd Tait's ordination.
“May the Spirit which inspired its author six hundred years ago continually inspire you, and the Church of which you are now an ordained servant; and may He enable you, as a scribe instructed unto the Kingdom of God, to bring forth out of your treasures things new and old.”
May the same Holy Spirit that moved Thomas à Kempis centuries ago now inspire you and the Church you serve, equipping you to share both ancient and new wisdom from God's kingdom.
A blessing for the dedicatee's ministry.
