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
death dying passing-away
So passes away the glory of this world. ('Sic transit gloria mundi.')
mean humility men
He who knows himself well is mean and abject in his own sight, and takes no delight in the vain praise of men.
humility understanding honor
It is better to have but little knowledge with humility and understanding, than great learning which might make you proud. For a person's merits are not to be estimated by having many visions, or by knowledge of the bible, or by being placed in a higher position; but by being grounded in true humility, and by seeking always, purely, and entirely, the honor of God.
forgiveness pardon ifs
Be assured that if you knew all, you would pardon all.
simple men wings
Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature.
heaven soul grace
A sure way of retaining the grace of heaven is to disregard outward appearances, and diligently to cultivate such things as foster amendment of life and fervour of soul, rather than to cultivate those qualities that seem most popular.
soul sorrow trouble
He that seeketh anything else but simply God and the salvation of his soul, will find nothing but trouble and sorrow.
inspirational-life mind
When anger enters the mind, wisdom departs.
fighting men giving
If you would endeavor, like men of courage, to stand in the battle, surely we would feel the favorable assistance of God from heaven. For he who give the us occasion to fight, to the end we may get the victory, is ready to succor those that fight manfully, and do trust in his grace.
priorities desire use
Let temporal things serve thy use, but the eternal be the object of thy desire.
helping-others done charity
Whatsoever is done in charity, however small and of no reputation it be, bringeth forth good fruit.
heart acceptance men
Do not let your peace depend on the hearts of men; whatever they say about you, good or bad, you are not because of it another man, for as you are, you are.
overcoming habit
Habit is overcome by habit.
mind gains god-love
It is much safer to be subject than it is to command. Many live in obedience more from necessity than from love. Such become discontented and dejected on the slightest pretext; they will never gain peace of mind unless they subject themselves wholeheartedly for the love of God.