The Imitation of Christ
Presented as the ultimate model for imitation and the source of eternal life.
Book I: Admonitions Profitable for the Spiritual Life
Central figure to be imitated; His life and teachings are the model for the spiritual life.
Of the Imitation of Christ, and of Contempt of the World and All Its Vanities
Quoted as saying 'He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness'; His life and teaching are the model for imitation.
Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself
Implied through the call to live holily and the fear of God.
Of the Knowledge of Truth
Referenced as the one to be won above all earthly things, and as the Eternal Word who speaks to the soul.
Of fleeing from vain hope and pride
Mentioned as the reason for serving others and as the source of love.
Of Obedience and Subjection
Christ is invoked as the reason for yielding one's own opinion for peace.
Of the danger of superfluity of words
Referenced indirectly through the call to speak things to edification and to watch and pray.
Of seeking peace of mind, and of spiritual progress
Implied as the Lord who helps those who strive and trust in Him.
Of the Uses of Adversity
The disciple expresses a desire to depart and be with Christ.
Of Resisting Temptation
Implied as the source of grace and the one to whom the tempted should cry for help.
On Avoiding Rash Judgment
Referenced as the power upon which one should rely rather than on one's own reason or experience.
Of a religious life
Implied as the one for whom one becomes a fool and the ultimate object of seeking.
Of the Example of the Holy Fathers
The holy fathers are described as walking in the footsteps of Christ.
Of the exercises of a religious man
Quoted indirectly through the Evangelist Luke: 'Blessed is that servant whom when the Lord cometh He shall find watching.'
Of the Love of Solitude and Silence
Jesus is presented as the beloved companion whom the disciple must call unto himself in the chamber, and as the one who went 'apart from the multitude.'
On the Contemplation of Human Misery
Referenced as the model for the saints and loyal friends who despised worldly pleasures.
Of meditation upon death
Quoted as the Son of Man who comes unexpectedly, and referenced as the one for whose love one should endure adversity.
XXIV Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked
Christ is referenced as the one with whom the faithful hope to reign, and for whose sake the wise become fools and despised.
Of the Zealous Amendment of Our Whole Life
Referenced as the Crucified, whose life and passion are the perfect model for the zealous disciple.
Book II: Admonitions Concerning the Inner Life
Christ is presented as the ultimate model of humility, obedience, and suffering to be imitated.
Of the Inward Life
Quoted as saying 'The kingdom of God is within you'; described as the bridegroom who visits the inward man and offers consolation.
Of the good, peaceable man
The peaceable man is described as the friend of Christ and inheritor of heaven.
Of the Joy of a Good Conscience
Implied in the reference to glorying in the Cross of Christ, linking the joy of a good conscience to Christ's suffering.
Of loving Jesus above all things
Presented as the sole Beloved who must be loved above all things; He is faithful, lasting, and will not forsake those who cleave to Him.
Of the Intimate Love of Jesus
Central figure; His presence brings all good, His absence brings desolation.
Of the lack of all comfort
Referenced as the object of love for whom one must endure the loss of all comfort.
Of Gratitude for the Grace of God
Implied as the source of spiritual comfort and the model of humility, though not explicitly named in the excerpt.
Of the fewness of those who love the Cross of Jesus
Jesus is the central figure whose Cross and love are discussed; many follow Him for comfort but few bear His Cross.
XII: Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross
Presented as the supreme example who bore His cross and died for humanity; His whole life was a cross and martyrdom.
Book III: On Inward Consolation
Christ is the model of humility and self-denial, and the way to inward peace.
Of the Inward Voice of Christ to the Faithful Soul
Speaks inwardly to the faithful soul, offering salvation, peace, and life.
How all the words of God are to be heard with humility, and how many consider them not
Speaks as 'My Son' and 'the Lord,' teaching that His words are spirit and life, and that He rewards those faithful in His love.
How we must walk in truth and humility before God
Referred to as the Truth who teaches and frees the soul.
Of the Wonderful Power of the Divine Love
Mentioned as 'Lord Jesus Christ' and 'the Beloved' whose love impels to great works.
Of the Proving of the True Lover
Referenced as the strong warrior and the one who is with the believer against the enemy.
That all things are to be referred to God, as the final end
Referenced indirectly through the quote 'none good but one, that is God,' which is attributed to Christ in the Gospels.
Chapter X: That it is sweet to despise the world and to serve God
Implied as the one who ministered to man and promised to give Himself.
XI
Speaker of the instruction, addressing the disciple as 'My Son' and guiding him to submit desires to God's pleasure.
Of the inward growth of patience, and of the struggle against evil desires
Christ responds as the divine teacher, instructing the disciple to embrace trials and reject worldly pleasures.
Of the obedience of one in lowly subjection after the example of Jesus Christ
Presented as the ultimate example of humility and obedience, having subjected Himself to man for our sake.
How we must stand and speak, in everything that we desire
Addressed as 'most merciful Jesus' in the prayer for grace.
XVI
Invoked as the constant Comforter and companion of the godly man.
XVII
Christ speaks as the divine teacher, instructing the disciple to submit to God's will.
That Temporal Miseries Are to Be Borne Patiently After the Example of Christ
Christ speaks as the divine teacher, recounting His own sufferings from birth to the Cross as an example of patience.
Of bearing injuries, and who shall be approved as truly patient
Christ is invoked as the example of suffering and as the one who speaks to the disciple, urging him to consider His own passion and the sufferings of the saints.
XXI
Addressed as the most sweet and loving Jesus, the beloved Spouse and Light of Eternal Glory.
Of the recollection of God's manifold benefits
Implied as the one whose apostles are cited as examples of humble and meek conduct, rejoicing in suffering for His name.
Of four things which bring great peace
Addressed as 'Blessed Jesus' in the prayer for enlightenment; invoked to drive out darkness and bind the soul in love.
Of Avoiding Curious Inquiry into the Life of Another
Speaker of the admonition, quoting 'Follow thou Me' and revealing His omniscience.
XXV
Quoted as saying 'Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you' and instructing the disciple to follow His voice.
XXVII
Addressed as 'My Son' in the opening exhortation, representing the divine teacher.
Against the Tongues of Detractors
Speaker of the counsel to the disciple, addressing him as 'My Son' and guiding him to inward peace.
XXIX
Referenced indirectly through the quotation 'Save me from this hour, but for this cause came I unto this hour' (John 12:27).
Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace
Christ speaks as the Lord, inviting the disciple to come to Him in trouble and promising restoration and consolation.
Of Self-Denial, and the Casting Away All Selfishness
Speaks as 'My Son' to the disciple, teaching the necessity of self-denial and renunciation of all selfishness.
Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God
Referenced in the example of the Jews coming to see Lazarus, not Jesus, illustrating misplaced intention.
That to him who loveth God is sweet above all things and in all things
Referred to as 'the Word' whom the lover delights in.
XXXV
Speaker of the opening address, calling the disciple to steadfastness and patience.
Against Vain Judgments of Men
Addressed as 'My Son' throughout the chapter, providing divine counsel against fearing human judgment.
Of pure and entire resignation of self, for the obtaining liberty of heart
Addressed as 'My Son' by the divine voice; the disciple is called to follow Jesus who was made naked for him.
Of a good government in external things, and of having recourse to God in dangers
Implied as the source of liberty for the children of God.
XXXIX
Speaks as 'My Son' instructing the disciple to commit his cause to God and to watch and pray against temptation.
That Man Hath No Good in Himself, and Nothing Whereof to Glory
Implied as the source of grace and the one through whom the soul seeks true glory.
Of Contempt of All Temporal Honour
Speaker of the opening admonition to the disciple.
XLII
Implied as the ever-living and abiding Truth in whom peace is to be found.
Against Vain and Worldly Knowledge
Speaks as the divine teacher, warning against vain knowledge and emphasizing inward divine instruction.
Of not troubling ourselves about outward things
Addressed as 'My Son' in the opening exhortation.
XLV
Referenced as the one in whom the holy soul is grounded.
Of having confidence in God when evil words are cast at us
Speaks as 'My Son' throughout, instructing the disciple to trust in Him and not fear human reproach.
That all troubles are to be endured for the sake of eternal life
Speaker of the exhortation, addressing the disciple as 'My Son' and promising eternal reward.
Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of This Life
Addressed as 'Blessed Jesus,' the one whom the narrator yearns to behold and be with in His eternal kingdom.
Of the desire after eternal life, and how great blessings are promised to those who strive.
Speaker throughout the chapter, addressing the disciple as 'My Son' and promising eternal rewards.
How a desolate man ought to commit himself into the hands of God
Implied as the one through whom the soul seeks consolation and the pattern of suffering for love.
That we must give ourselves to humble works when we are unequal to those that are lofty
Speaker of the chapter's dialogue, addressing the disciple as 'My Son' and promising divine visitation and eternal peace.
LII
Referenced implicitly through the image of the penitent pouring ointment on His sacred feet.
LIII
Speaker of the opening address, calling the disciple to seek grace through separation from worldly things.
Of the diverse motions of Nature and of Grace
Grace rejoices to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.
Of the corruption of Nature and the efficacy of Divine Grace
Mentioned at the end of the chapter: 'through Jesus Christ, Thy Son.'
LVI
Christ speaks as the way, truth, and life, calling the disciple to follow Him and bear the cross.
That a man must not be too much cast down, when he falleth into some faults
Speaker of the consoling words 'My Son' and 'I yet live, saith the Lord' throughout the chapter.
LVIII: Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments Which Are Not to Be Inquired Into
Quoted as the one who taught that to enter the Kingdom of Heaven one must become as a little child, and who is the source of all grace and glory given to the Saints.
Book IV: Of the Sacrament of the Altar
The Voice of Christ speaks, inviting the faithful to the Holy Communion and offering His flesh and blood.
With how great reverence Christ must be received
Quoted as inviting the weary to come to Him; present in the Sacrament as the Guest and Giver of life.
II
Addressed as the Healer, Fountain of life, King of heaven, and the living bread descended from heaven.
That it is profitable to Communicate often
Addressed as the merciful Lord who provides Himself in the Sacrament for the consolation of the faithful.
IV
Jesus is addressed as the merciful Saviour present in the Sacrament, who calls the weary and heavy laden.
Of the dignity of this Sacrament, and of the office of the priest
The Sacrament of Christ's Body is ministered by priests; the priest takes Christ's place and must follow His footsteps.
Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment
The Beloved speaks, urging the priest to draw near with humility and to offer himself through the oblation of Christ's Body and Blood.
Of the Oblation of Christ upon the Cross, and of Resignation of Self
The Beloved speaks, describing His own self-oblation to the Father on the Cross and calling the disciple to offer himself wholly.
IX
Mentioned in the context of the holy Communion of His precious Body and redemption through His blood.
That Holy Communion is not lightly to be omitted
Referred to as the Beloved and Redeemer; His Body and Blood are received in Communion, and His incarnation and Passion are to be devoutly remembered.
XI
Addressed as 'most sweet Lord Jesus' and 'Light of Light everlasting'; the Disciple speaks of His presence in the Sacrament and His glory.
That he who is about to Communicate with Christ ought to prepare himself with great diligence
The Beloved who speaks, calling the soul to prepare a pure heart for His coming and promising to supply what is lacking.
That the devout soul ought with the whole heart to yearn after union with Christ in the Sacrament
Christ is the Beloved and Peacemaker, present in the Sacrament, and the object of the disciple's longing.
Of the fervent desire of certain devout persons to receive the Body and Blood of Christ
Addressed as the source of sweetness and mercy, present in the Sacrament, and asked to grant fervor.
That the grace of devotion is acquired by humility and self-denial
The Voice of the Beloved speaks, guiding the soul in the pursuit of grace and devotion.
XVI
Addressed as the sweet and loving Lord who knows all secrets and is the only source of comfort, grace, and transformation.
Of Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ
The object of the Disciple's fervent desire and longing to receive in the Eucharist.
That a man should not be a curious searcher of the Sacrament, but a humble imitator of Christ, submitting his sense to holy faith
The chapter calls the reader to be a humble imitator of Christ, submitting sense to holy faith.
Endnotes
Referenced through multiple New Testament citations (e.g., John 8:12, Matthew 16:24, Luke 24:46).
