Thomas a Kempis Quotes

       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.

For these attacks do not contribute to make us frail but rather show us to be what we are.     Topics: Adversity If thou art willing to suffer no adversity, how wilt thou be the friend of Christ?     Topics: Adversity Be not angry that you cannot make others as you wish them to be, since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.     Topics: Anger What else does anxiety about the future bring you but sorrow upon sorrow?     Topics: Anxiety, The Future God often gives in one brief moment that which He has for a long time denied.     Topics: Blessings If thou desire to profit, read with humility, simplicity, and faithfulness; nor even desire the repute of learning.     Topics: Books, Learning, Reading Everywhere I have sought rest and found it not except sitting apart in a nook with a little book.     Topics: Books, Rest 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.     Topics: Books, Truth, Learning Occasions of adversity best discover how great virtue or strength each one hath. For occasions do not make a man frail, but they show what he is.     Topics: Character, Strength Occasions do not make a man either strong or weak, but they show what he is.     Topics: Character He is truly great who hath a great charity.     Topics: Charity 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.     Topics: Christ, Peace, Beauty