Thomas a Kempis
(1380-1471)
Thomas a Kempis was a late Medieval Catholic monk and probable author of The Imitation of Christ, one of the best known Christian books on devotion. His writings are all of a devotional character and include tracts and meditations, letters, sermons, a life of Saint Lydewigis, a Christian woman who remained steadfast under a great stress of afflictions, and biographies of Groote, Radewijns, and nine of their companions. Works similar in content to the Imitation of Christ, and pervaded by the same spirit, are his prolonged meditation on the life and blessings of the Savior and another on the Incarnation. Both of these works overflow with adoration for Christ.
Thomas a Kempis was a late Medieval Catholic monk and probable author of The Imitation of Christ, one of the best known Christian books on devotion. His writings are all of a devotional character and include tracts and meditations, letters, sermons, a life of Saint Lydewigis, a Christian woman who remained steadfast under a great stress of afflictions, and biographies of Groote, Radewijns, and nine of their companions. Works similar in content to the Imitation of Christ, and pervaded by the same spirit, are his prolonged meditation on the life and blessings of the Savior and another on the Incarnation. Both of these works overflow with adoration for Christ.
Quotes:
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For these attacks do not contribute to make us frail but rather show us to be what we are.
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If thou art willing to suffer no adversity, how wilt thou be the friend of Christ?
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Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.
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What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?
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God often gives in one brief moment that which He has for a long time denied.
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If thou desire to profit, read with humility, simplicity, and faithfulness; nor even desire the repute of learning.
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Do not be influenced by the importance of the writer, and whether his learning be great or small, but let the love of pure truth draw you to read. Do not inquire, Who said this? but pay attention to what is said.
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All the glory and beauty of Christ are manifested within, and there He delights to dwell; His visits there are frequent, His condescension amazing, His conversation sweet, His comforts refreshing; and the peace that He brings passeth all understanding.
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Occasions do not make a man either strong or weak, but they show what he is.
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Happy is the man who renounces everything which may bring a stain or burden upon his conscience.
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Remember always your end, and that lost time does not return.
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Our dependence upon God ought to be so entire and absolute that we should never think it necessary, in any kind of distress, to have recourse to human consolations.
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Faith is required of thee, and a sincere life, not loftiness of intellect, nor deepness in the mysteries of God.
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O Lord, you know what is best for me. Let this or that be done, as you please. Give what you will, how much you will, and when you will.
---
source:
http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Thomas-a-Kempis-Quotes/
If thou art willing to suffer no adversity, how wilt thou be the friend of Christ?
---
Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.
---
What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?
---
God often gives in one brief moment that which He has for a long time denied.
---
If thou desire to profit, read with humility, simplicity, and faithfulness; nor even desire the repute of learning.
---
Do not be influenced by the importance of the writer, and whether his learning be great or small, but let the love of pure truth draw you to read. Do not inquire, Who said this? but pay attention to what is said.
---
All the glory and beauty of Christ are manifested within, and there He delights to dwell; His visits there are frequent, His condescension amazing, His conversation sweet, His comforts refreshing; and the peace that He brings passeth all understanding.
---
Occasions do not make a man either strong or weak, but they show what he is.
---
Happy is the man who renounces everything which may bring a stain or burden upon his conscience.
---
Remember always your end, and that lost time does not return.
---
Our dependence upon God ought to be so entire and absolute that we should never think it necessary, in any kind of distress, to have recourse to human consolations.
---
Faith is required of thee, and a sincere life, not loftiness of intellect, nor deepness in the mysteries of God.
---
O Lord, you know what is best for me. Let this or that be done, as you please. Give what you will, how much you will, and when you will.
---
source:
http://christian-quotes.ochristian.com/Thomas-a-Kempis-Quotes/