Book 1, Chapter 18: Of the example of the Holy Fathers
Comment: Imitating the imitators brings us that much closer to Christ. These 
imitators were the early Church Fathers who laid the foundations of the faith. Most of these theologians were taught by the Apostles and set the foundations of early Christianity through their thoughts, deeds, and influence. Many were martyred, and many sainted.
Thomas’ appreciation for their influence is laid out in this chapter as an example for us today. By enduring privations and imitating these patriarchs of the Church, we imitate Christ. He holds these icons up as great examples to all of us. He calls us to deeper prayer and warns of the dangers of slothful behavior and a tepid devotion.
Chapter 18, In Short.
1. Follow the examples of the Saints.
2. Those who would walk in the footsteps of Christ must endure many tribulations.
3. The devout spent their time seeking moments alone with God, even putting aside bodily comforts to do so.
4. Though strangers to the world, in the sight of God the saints are were precious and beloved.
5. The love of the devout was at the beginning of this sacred institution, but today is lacking.
6. It is becoming a difficult to live, because of sloth and lukewarmness.
Consider now the lively examples of the holy fathers, in whom
shone forth real devotion and perfection, and you shall see how little, even unto nothing, is all that we do. Ah! What is our life when compared to theirs? They, saints and friends of Christ as they were, served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in labor and weariness, in watchings and fasting, in prayer and holy meditations, in persecutions and many reproaches(Hb 11:37).
2. O how many and grievous tribulations did the Apostles,
Martyrs, Confessors, Virgins, endure; and all others who would
walk in the footsteps of Christ. For they despised their souls in this world that they might keep their souls preserved for eternal life (Jn 12:25).
O how strict and retired a life was that of the holy fathers who dwelt in the desert! What long and dreadful temptations they did suffer! How often were they assaulted by the enemy! What frequent and fervid prayers did they offer unto God! What strict fasts did they endure! What fervent zeal and desire after spiritual profit did they manifest! How bravely did they fight so that their vices might not gain mastery over them! How entirely and persistently did they pursue God! By day they labored, and at night they gave themselves often times to prayer; yes, even when they were at work they continued in mental prayer.
3. They spent their whole time profitably; every hour seemed
short for retirement with God; and through the great sweetness of contemplation, even the need of bodily refreshment was put aside. They renounced all riches, dignities, honors, friends, kinsmen; they desired nothing from the world; they ate the bare necessaries of life; even in necessity they were unwilling to minister to their personal needs of the body. Thus they were poor in earthly things, but rich in heavenly measures of grace and virtue. Though poor to the outer eye, within they were filled with grace and heavenly benedictions.
4. They were strangers to the world, but unto God they were as
kinsmen and friends. They seemed unto themselves as of no
reputation, and in the world’s eyes contemptible; but in the
sight of God they were precious and beloved. They stood fast in true humility, they lived in simple obedience, they walked in love and patience; and thus they waxed strong in spirit, and obtained great favor before God. To all the devout, they were offered as an example, and they ought to motivate us more to good living rather than to promote the number of the lukewarm temptations to a carelessness of life.
5. O how great was the love of all the devout at the beginning of this sacred institution! O what devoted prayer! What rivalry in holiness! What strict discipline was observed! What reverence and obedience under the rule of the
master showed they in all things! The traces of them that remain until now testify that they were truly holy and perfect disciples, who fighting so bravely trod the world underfoot. Now a disciple is counted great only when not counted as a transgressor, and as one who can endure with patience that which was undertaken.
6. O the coldness and negligence of our times, that we so quickly decline from the former love, such that it becomes a weariness to live, because of sloth and lukewarmness.
Would to God that advancement in virtue was not wholly asleep in you who have so often seen many examples of the devout!