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
knowing soul desire
Leave off that excessive desire of knowing; therein is found much distraction. There are many things the knowledge of which is of little or no profit to the soul.
men people soul
A man that is well ordered in his soul needeth little the unkind demeanor of worldly people nor yet their proud behavior.
heart soul lovers
Ah, Lord God, thou holy lover of my soul, when thou comest into my heart, all that is within me shall rejoice.
men anxiety soul
Restrain an inordinate desire for knowledge, in which is found much anxiety and deception. Learned men always wish to appear so, and desire recognition of their wisdom. But there are many matters, knowledge of which brings little or no advantage to the soul.
soul study invisible
Study, therefore, to withdraw the love of your soul from all things that are visible, and turn it to things that are invisible.
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.
perfection joy soul
In the Cross is salvation; in the Cross is life; in the Cross is protection against our enemies; in the Cross is infusion of heavenly sweetness; in the Cross is strength of mind; in the Cross is joy of spirit; in the Cross is excellence of virtue; in the Cross is perfection of holiness. There is no salvation of soul, nor hope of eternal life, save in the Cross.
spiritual light people
Some people are tempted most strongly at the beginning of their spiritual life, others near the end. Some are troubled all their lives. Still others receive only light temptation. Such things are decided by God, and we can trust his wisdom.
giving grace world
For it is the grace of Christ, and not our own virtue, that gives us the power to overcome the flesh and the world.
How quickly passes away the glory of this world.
Of two evils, the less is always to be chosen.
Bear the Cross cheerfully and it will bear you.
easily peace whose
He will easily be content and at peace, whose conscience is pure.