# The Disciple — The Imitation of Christ character guide > The Disciple in The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Thy servant, Unknown **First appearance:** 0002-the-imitation-of-christ ## Snapshot A devout soul who longs for God yet flinches at every approach, measuring his own impurity against the grandeur of what he is invited to receive. ## Who they are The Disciple is the book's trembling 'I' — the voice that answers Christ, confesses its sins, and wrestles with whether it dare draw near. His distinctive tension is that the sweetness of Christ's words arouses him while the multitude of his faults presses him down; he recalls Noah's hundred years building the ark and wonders how he can prepare in a single hour. His halting, self-questioning faith shapes the early and middle arc, making the reader's own hesitation the very ground on which the imitation unfolds. ## In the story ### [The Imitation of Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/the-imitation-of-christ) The voice exhorting the reader to turn from vanity and follow Christ. ### [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) The voice of the faithful soul seeking to follow Christ and reject worldly illusions. ### [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) The voice exhorting the reader to study Christ's life, feel contrition, and turn from worldly vanities. ### [Of Thinking Humbly of Oneself](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii) The narrator reflects on the dangers of pride in knowledge and the value of humility. ### [Of the Knowledge of Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii) The disciple speaks of the weariness of reading and listening to many things, and desires only to hear God speak. ### [Of Prudence in Action](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv) The narrator speaks as one giving instruction on prudence, humility, and obedience. ### [Of the Reading of Holy Scripture](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v) The disciple is instructed in the proper approach to reading Scripture. ### [Of Inordinate Affections](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi) The narrator reflects on the nature of inordinate affections and the path to true peace. ### [Of fleeing from vain hope and pride](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii) The voice addressing the reader, urging humility and trust in God. ### [Of the danger of too much familiarity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii) The narrator gives counsel on discretion in friendships and warns against opening one's heart to every person. ### [Of Obedience and Subjection](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix) The narrator speaks from personal experience, having heard that it is safer to receive counsel than to give it. ### [Of the danger of superfluity of words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x) The narrator reflects on personal regret for not having held peace and on the common tendency to talk too much. ### [Of seeking peace of mind, and of spiritual progress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi) The narrator addresses the reader directly, urging self-examination and spiritual discipline. ### [Of the Uses of Adversity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii) The disciple reflects on the spiritual value of suffering and adversity. ### [Of Resisting Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiii) The narrator addresses the reader directly, offering counsel on resisting temptation and enduring trials. ### [On Avoiding Rash Judgment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xiv) The voice addressing the reader, urging self-examination and submission to God. ### [Of Works of Charity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv) The narrator reflects on the nature of true charity and the importance of doing all works for God's glory. ### [Of Bearing with the Faults of Others](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvi) The narrator speaks directly to the reader, offering counsel on patience and mutual forbearance. ### [Of a religious life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii) Addressed as 'thou' who is called to endure, labour, and humble himself. ### [Of the Example of the Holy Fathers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xviii) The narrator addresses the reader directly, lamenting the decline of devotion and urging imitation of the holy fathers. ### [Of the exercises of a religious man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xix) The disciple is the speaker throughout the chapter, offering guidance on spiritual exercises and self-examination. ### [Of the Love of Solitude and Silence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xx) The disciple is the primary voice, offering counsel on seeking solitude and silence for meditation and compunction. ### [Of Compunction of Heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxi) The narrator speaks as a devout soul seeking compunction and urging self-discipline. ### [On the Contemplation of Human Misery](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxii) The narrator speaks directly to the reader, urging self-examination and spiritual resolve. ### [Of meditation upon death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiii) The narrator addresses the reader directly, urging self-examination and preparation for death. ### [XXIV Of the Judgment and Punishment of the Wicked](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiv) The disciple is addressed directly, urged to learn suffering, prove endurance, and purify the soul through patience and self-denial. ### [Of the Zealous Amendment of Our Whole Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxv) The narrator speaks as one striving for spiritual progress, offering counsel and exhortation. ### [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) The narrator speaks as a disciple seeking to learn and practice the inner life. ### [Of the Inward Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i) Addressed as 'faithful soul' and exhorted to prepare the heart for Christ and to despise the world. ### [Of Lowly Submission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii) The narrator speaks in the voice of a spiritual guide, exhorting the reader to humility and submission to God. ### [Of the good, peaceable man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii) The narrator addresses the reader directly, urging self-examination and peaceable living. ### [Of a Pure Mind and Simple Intention](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv) The disciple is the one being instructed in the pursuit of a pure mind and simple intention, learning how to turn wholly to God. ### [Of Self-Esteem](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v) The narrator reflects on human blindness and the need for self-attention. ### [Of the Joy of a Good Conscience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi) The narrator speaks directly to the reader, offering guidance on the joy of a good conscience and the importance of inward purity. ### [Of loving Jesus above all things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii) The voice exhorting the reader to love Jesus and despise self for Jesus' sake, and to seek Jesus in all things. ### [Of the Intimate Love of Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii) The voice addressing the reader, urging intimate love and devotion to Jesus. ### [Of the lack of all comfort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix) The narrator reflects on the experience of losing divine comfort and advises the reader on how to respond with humility and patience. ### [Of Gratitude for the Grace of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x) The narrator speaks as a humble servant, confessing his own fault and neediness, and urging gratitude and humility before God. ### [Of the fewness of those who love the Cross of Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi) The narrator reflects on the rarity of those who love the Cross and serve God without self-interest. ### [XII: Of the Royal Way of the Holy Cross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xii) Addressed directly as 'thou' who must take up the cross and follow Christ, enduring tribulations patiently. ### [Book III: On Inward Consolation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/book-iii-on-inward-consolation) The disciple speaks as the seeker of inward consolation, learning to turn away from the world and toward God. ### [Of the Inward Voice of Christ to the Faithful Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i) The soul addressed, urged to hearken to God's voice and shut out carnal desires. ### [What the Truth Saith Inwardly Without Noise of Words](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii) The disciple earnestly prays for God to speak inwardly, echoing Samuel's request, 'Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth.' ### [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) Responds to Christ's words with a prayer, confessing his own nothingness and begging for God's mercy and instruction. ### [How we must walk in truth and humility before God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv) The disciple responds to God's teaching, praying for truth to guide and preserve him. ### [Of the Wonderful Power of the Divine Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/v) The speaker who blesses God, confesses weakness in love, and prays for strength and purification. ### [Of the Proving of the True Lover](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi) The disciple responds to God's words and is addressed directly, learning about steadfast love. ### [Of Hiding Our Grace Under the Guard of Humility](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii) The recipient of the divine instruction, addressed as 'My Son' and exhorted to hide grace, despise self, and endure trials patiently. ### [Of a low estimation of self in the sight of God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/viii) The speaker who humbles himself before God, confessing his nothingness and weakness. ### [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) The listener and recipient of the instruction to refer all things to God. ### [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) The speaker who addresses God in awe and gratitude for being called to serve. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi) The listener who asks 'What are they, Lord?' and receives the teaching on desire and self-subjection. ### [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) The disciple speaks, acknowledging the need for patience and the inevitability of strife in life. ### [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) Addressed as 'My Son' and exhorted to learn obedience and humility. ### [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) The speaker who trembles before God's judgments and confesses his own nothingness. ### [How we must stand and speak, in everything that we desire](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv) The disciple speaks the prayer and is instructed by Christ to resign all desires to God. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvi) The speaker who addresses his own soul, seeking solace in God. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii) The disciple responds with complete trust and surrender, accepting all circumstances from God's hand. ### [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) The disciple responds to Christ's words, expressing gratitude and acknowledging the need to bear the burdens of life patiently. ### [Of bearing injuries, and who shall be approved as truly patient](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xix) The disciple is the one who complains, is tempted to impatience, and is instructed to bear all injuries patiently; he also prays for grace to endure. ### [Of Confession of Our Infirmity and of the Miseries of This Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xx) Confesses his infirmity and frailty, laments the constant conflict with passions and temptations, and expresses weariness with the miseries of life. ### [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxi) The speaker who longs to rest in God and expresses deep yearning for divine union. ### [Of the recollection of God's manifold benefits](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxii) The speaker who prays for understanding and expresses humility before God's majesty and gifts. ### [Of four things which bring great peace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiii) The speaker who receives the teaching, prays for grace, and offers prayers against evil thoughts and for enlightenment. ### [Of Avoiding Curious Inquiry into the Life of Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxiv) Addressed as 'My Son' and instructed to avoid entanglement in others' affairs. ### [XXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxv) The disciple asks 'What then shall I do, Lord?' and receives instruction on attaining true peace. ### [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) The narrator prays for a free spirit and for deliverance from worldly cares and fleshly consolations. ### [XXVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxvii) The speaker in the prayer section, seeking strength and wisdom from God. ### [Against the Tongues of Detractors](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxviii) Recipient of the teaching, called to ignore detractors and rest in God. ### [XXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxix) The speaker who cries out in tribulation and seeks God's help. ### [Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxx) The disciple is addressed as 'My son' and is instructed in patience, faith, and trust amid tribulation. ### [Of the neglect of every creature, that the Creator may be found](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxi) The speaker who earnestly seeks grace to be freed from creatures and to fly unto God. ### [Of Self-Denial, and the Casting Away All Selfishness](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxii) Responds to Christ's teaching, acknowledging that this path is not a day's work but contains all perfection of the religious life. ### [Of Instability of the Heart, and of Directing the Aim Towards God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxiii) The listener and recipient of the divine instruction on purifying the intention. ### [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) Expresses personal longing for God and laments the ongoing struggle with the old man. ### [XXXV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxv) Addressee of the exhortation, urged to bear all things for Christ's sake. ### [Against Vain Judgments of Men](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxvi) The recipient of the counsel, encouraged to anchor his soul in God and not fear human judgment. ### [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) The disciple speaks in response, asking how often and in what things he must resign himself. ### [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) Addressed as 'My Son' and exhorted to be free within and master of his actions. ### [XXXIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xxxix) Responds to Christ's instruction, expressing willingness to commit all things to God and lamenting his own preoccupation with future events. ### [That Man Hath No Good in Himself, and Nothing Whereof to Glory](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xl) The speaker humbly confesses his own nothingness and lack of good, acknowledging his need for God's help. ### [Of Contempt of All Temporal Honour](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xli) Responds to Christ's words, confessing blindness and sin, and accepting contempt as just. ### [XLII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlii) Addressed as 'My Son' by God, receiving instruction on detachment from human affections. ### [Against Vain and Worldly Knowledge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xliii) Addressed as 'My Son' and called to heed Christ's words over human learning. ### [Of not troubling ourselves about outward things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xliv) Responds to Christ's teaching with a lament about human preoccupation with temporal matters. ### [XLV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlv) Reflects on personal failures in trusting others and resolves to be more cautious. ### [Of having confidence in God when evil words are cast at us](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlvi) Responds in prayer, acknowledging his frailty and seeking God's mercy and strength. ### [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) The recipient of the divine counsel, called to endure labors and tribulations faithfully. ### [Of the Day of Eternity and of the Straitnesses of This Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xlviii) The narrator speaks as an exiled soul longing for the eternal day, groaning under the weight of earthly trials and distractions. ### [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) The listener who is exhorted to desire eternal life, endure trials, and seek God's will above his own. ### [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) The speaker who confesses his poverty, sorrow, and need for God's peace, and submits to divine discipline. ### [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) The listener who is exhorted to descend to humble works and wait patiently for God's coming. ### [LII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lii) Confesses his unworthiness and sinfulness, seeking mercy through contrition. ### [LIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/liii) The one being addressed and exhorted to renounce earthly attachments and conquer self. ### [Of the diverse motions of Nature and of Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/liv) The disciple is addressed as 'My Son' and instructed to pay heed to the motions of Nature and Grace. ### [Of the corruption of Nature and the efficacy of Divine Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lv) The narrator confesses his own weakness and the struggle between the law of the mind and the law of sin in his flesh. ### [LVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lvi) The disciple responds to Christ's call, committing to carry the cross and follow Him unto death. ### [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) The voice responding in prayer, 'O Lord, blessed be Thy word...' and seeking a good end. ### [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) Addressed as 'My Son' throughout the chapter, receiving instruction on humility and the danger of disputing divine judgments. ### [That all hope and trust is to be fixed in God alone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/lix) The narrator expresses personal trust and hope in God alone, describing himself as a poor servant exiled in the land of the shadow of death. ### [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) The narrator presents the exhortation to the Holy Communion, recording the words of Christ. ### [With how great reverence Christ must be received](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/i) Expresses deep reverence and personal unworthiness before receiving Christ in the Sacrament. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ii) The Disciple voices his unworthiness and awe before God in the Sacrament. ### [That it is profitable to Communicate often](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iii) The voice of the Disciple who earnestly desires to receive Christ and acknowledges his own weakness and need for divine medicine. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/iv) The Disciple prays for grace and expresses his unworthiness before the Sacrament. ### [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) Addressed as 'thou' in the exhortation to approach the Sacrament with fear and reverence. ### [An Inquiry Concerning Preparation for Communion](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vi) The Disciple voices his fear and confusion, acknowledging his own vileness and seeking divine instruction for worthy communion. ### [Of the Examination of Conscience, and Purpose of Amendment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/vii) The narrator is the one who examines his conscience, confesses his sins, and resolves to amend his life. ### [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) The disciple is addressed directly, exhorted to resign himself entirely to Christ and to offer himself as a pure oblation. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/ix) Offers himself as a freewill offering to God, confesses sins, and prays for all. ### [That Holy Communion is not lightly to be omitted](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/x) Addressed as 'Thou' and exhorted to frequent Communion, to overcome scruples, and to prepare oneself with purity of conscience. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xi) The voice throughout the chapter, expressing devotion, longing, and gratitude for the Sacrament and Scripture. ### [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) The soul addressed, urged to prepare diligently, receive with humility, and remain in secret communion after receiving the Sacrament. ### [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) The disciple yearns for union with Christ and expresses his desire to be wholly united and lost in God. ### [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) Expresses shame at his own lack of devotion and desires to share in the fervent love of the devout. ### [That the grace of devotion is acquired by humility and self-denial](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xv) The disciple is instructed on how to seek, receive, and preserve the grace of devotion through humility and self-denial. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvi) The speaker who confesses his infirmity, poverty in virtues, and need for grace, and who prays for inward union with Christ. ### [Of Fervent Love and Vehement Desire of Receiving Christ](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/chapters/xvii) Expresses fervent love and desire to receive Christ, offering himself wholly as a sacrifice. ### [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) The narrator is addressed as the servant of God who must endure temptations and go forward with simple faith. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters/narrator - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_imitation_of_christ_se/characters