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
god people purpose
The intention which is fixed on God as its only end will keep people steady in their purposes, and deliver them from being the joke and scorn of fortune.
god angel men
You are a man, not God; you are human, not an angel. How can you expect to remain always in a constant state of virtue, when this was not possible even for an angel of Heaven, nor for the first man in the Garden?
christian eye littles
He is truly great who is little in his own eyes and makes nothing of the highest
christian jesus people
Do not let your peace depend on what people say of you... True peace and joy is to be found in [Jesus] alone.
book heart mirrors
A disciple once complained, "You tell us stories, but you never reveal their meaning to us." The master replied, "How would you like it if someone offered you fruit and then chewed it up for you before giving it to you?" If your heart is straight with God, then every creature will be to you a mirror of life and a book of holy doctrine.
god men propose
Man proposes, but God disposes.
wings two simplicity
Two wings lift a person up from earthly concerns: Simplicity in intention, and Purity in feeling.
blessed simple simple-living
Blessed are the simple, for they shall have much peace.
giving preparation desire
O Lord, Thou knowest that which is best for us; let this or that be done, as Thou shalt please. Give what Thou wilt, how much Thou wilt, and when Thou wilt. Deal with me as thou thinkest best. Place me where Thou wilt, and deal with me in all things just as Thou wilt. Behold, I am Thy servant, prepared for all things: I desire not to live unto myself, but unto Thee; and oh, that I could do it worthily and perfectly!
passing-away world glory
Oh, how swiftly the glory of the world passes away!
waiting lord turns
Wait for the Lord. Behave yourself manfully, and be of good courage. Do not be faithless, but stay in your place and do not turn back.
learning men doe
A man of peace does more good than a very learned man.
finding-yourself bears
Wherever you go, you will always bear yourself about with you, and so you will always find yourself.
heart doors enemy
The enemy is more easily overcome if he be not suffered to enter the door of our hearts, but be resisted without the gate at his first knock.