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
adversity men doe
The measure of every man’s virtue is best revealed in time of adversity - adversity that does not weaken a man but rather shows what he is.
marriage strong humble
Love is a great thing...which alone maketh every burden light.. Love is watchful, and while sleeping, still keeps watch; though fatigued, it is not weary; though pressed, it is not forced. Love is sincere, gentle, strong, patient, faithful, prudent, long-suffering, and manly. Love is humble and upright, not weak, not fickle, nor intent on vain things; sober chaste, steadfast, quiet, and guarded in all the senses.
religious men silence
You will never be an inwardly religious and devout man unless you pass over in silence the shortcomings of your fellow men, and diligently examine your own weaknesses.
men trouble load
No man is without his load of trouble.
work busy thee
If thou be not busy for thyself now, who shall be busy for thee in time to come?
adversity men iron
As iron put into the fire loseth its rust and becometh clearly red-hot, so he that wholly turneth himself unto God puts off all slothfulness, and is transformed into a new man.
long age add
Of what use is a long life, if we amend so little? Alas, a long life often adds to our sins rather than to our virtue!
conversation qualified converses
No one is qualified to converse in public except those contented to do without such conversation.
memories world remember
Remember, your prerogative is to govern, and not to serve the things of this world.
men wings two
By two wings a man is lifted up from things earthly: by simplicity and purity.
littles benefits endeavor
But because many endeavor to get knowledge rather than to live well, they are often deceived and reap little or no benefit from their labor.
hurt jesus hard-work
Anyone who thinks hard work will never hurt you has never had to pay to have it done. Jesus now has many lovers of his Heavenly Kingdom, but few bearers of his cross.
being-thankful spirituality greater
Be thankful for the least gift, so shalt thou be meant to receive greater.
adversity heaven suffering
How should thy patience be crowned in heaven if none adversity should befall to thee in earth? If thou wilt suffer none adversity how mayest thou be the friend of Christ?