Thomas a Kempis
Thomas a Kempis
Thomas à Kempis, C.R.S.A.; c. 1380 – 25 July 1471) was a Dutch canon regular of the late medieval period and the author of The Imitation of Christ, one of the most popular and best known Christian books on devotion. His name means Thomas "of Kempen", his hometown, and in German he is known as Thomas von Kempen. He also is known by various spellings of his family name: Thomas Haemerken; Thomas Hammerlein; Thomas Hemerken and Thomas Hämerken...
NationalityGerman
ProfessionClergyman
CountryGermany
might wells
Would to God that we might spend a single day really well!
passion thinking zeal
We are often moved with passion and think it to be zeal.
fighting men lust
The good devout man first makes inner preparation for the actions he has later to perform. His outward actions do not draw him into lust and vice; rather it is he who bends them into the shape of reason and right judgement. Who has a stiffer battle to fight than the man who is striving to conquer himself.
running rejoice
Love flies, runs, and rejoices; it is free and nothing can hold it back.
ifs all-things thyself
If thou canst not make thyself such an one as thou wouldst, how canst thou expect to have another in all things to thy liking?
death dying nemo
No one can obtain from the Pope a dispensation for never dying. [Lat., Nemo impetrare potest a papa bullam numquam moriendi.]
god men propose
Man proposes, but God disposes. [Lat., Nam homo proponit, sed Deus disponit.]
overcoming habit
Habit is overcome by habit. [Lat., Consuetudo consuetudine vincitur.]
art born labor
Why seekest thou rest, since thou art born to labor? [Lat., Cur quaeris quietem, quam natus sis ad laborem?]
redemption salvation crosses
Salvation by the cross. [Lat., In cruce salus.]
imperfection chance opinion
Our own opinion of ourselves should be lower than that formed by others, for we have a better chance at our imperfections.
pain saint spirit
Few spirits are made better by the pain and languor of sickness; as few great pilgrims become eminent saints.
heart errors simplicity
If thou hadst simplicity and purity, thou wouldst be able to comprehend all things without error, and behold them without danger. The pure heart safely pervades not only heaven, but hell.
perfect patient submission
Carry the cross patiently, and with perfect submission; and in the end it shall carry you.