Kempis, Thomas à. The Imitation of Christ, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 1996).
In studying for a sermon, I came across the impact Thomas à Kempis’s devotional book had upon the conversion of John Wesley. Wesley was the founder of the Methodist church. His conversion and the early Methodist lifestyle have always been of great interest to me, even as a card-carrying Baptist.
Thomas à Kempis was a fifteenth-century monk who wrote this small book that has two distinct parts. Books one and two are short chapters, sometimes only one or two paragraphs that point to the inward life of the believer. Books three and four functions as a conversation between “The Disciple” and “The Voice of Christ.”
I read this book electronically and found the highlighting feature helpful. I found that at the end of the short book, I accumulated fourteen pages of quotes. In looking over my quotes, most of them came from the first two books.
The help for the believer in the war against sin and our walk with the Lord. Kempis is masterful in dealing with sin and our approach to the Lord. He says, “I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it (2).” What good are academic degrees for the Christian, and in my case pastor, if we do not walk humbly with our God? Kempis echoes this truth saying, “He is truly great who is little in his own eyes and makes nothing of the highest honor (7).” It was here in these first two books where Kempis operates like a surgeon of the soul calling us all to find our worth in knowing Christ and being known by him.
Kempis allows us to see sufferings and trials in a way that promotes our Christian walk. Present trials and sufferings purge us of our utopian view of this world. He says, “It is good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory (19).” Lest you think he backs off in his view of our response to life, he says, “Our wretched body complains so easily because our soul is altogether so lifeless (42).” OUCH! What is our hope? Kempis is clear, “You have here no lasting home. You are a stranger and a pilgrim wherever you may be, and you shall have no rest until you are wholly united with Christ (60).”
Now, looking toward books three and four, I have fewer quotes and even fewer nice things to say. In these books, Kempis proceeds conversationally between “The Voice of Christ” and “The Disciple.” Quite frankly, these two sections did not have the same impact on me. I am quite leary of devotionals that transition to the first person for Jesus, remember the whole card-carrying Baptist thing? I believe God spoke and his words are contained in the written Word of the Bible. Modern-day devotional books like Jesus Calling or even ancient ones like Imitation of Christ that go into the first person, even if all they say is Scriptural, is just a step too far for me.
I finished this book and as far as a recommendation, I can give one only cautiously. I want us all to greatly value the written Word and see such attempts to speak for Christ in a first-person setting, as crossing the line. I will leave you with this last quote, and I hope in sharing it, you will see the folly of trying to speak for Christ. “The whole life of Christ was a cross and a martyrdom, and do you seek rest and enjoyment for yourself (89)?” We know nothing of the cross because Christ bore it. As for martyrdom, we only suffer a moment compared to the suffering Christ endured on our behalf. So while some devotionals are easy to read and can seem inspirational, especially when we consider how difficult the Bible is to read and understand at times, let’s do the hard work of consistent Bible reading because in doing so, we get to meet God through his written Word.
Here are 14 pages of quotes I copied from the book as I read it in Logos.
Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 1996).
Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth Page 1
By these words of Christ we are advised to imitate His life and habits, if we wish to be truly enlightened and free from all blindness of heart. Let our chief effort, therefore, be to study the life of Jesus Christ.
Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth Page 1
Now, there are many who hear the Gospel often but care little for it because they have not the spirit of Christ.
Imitating Christ and Despising All Vanities on Earth Page 2
I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it.
Having a Humble Opinion of Self Page 3
Intellectuals like to appear learned and to be called wise.
Having a Humble Opinion of Self Pages 3–4
Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you.
The Doctrine of Truth Page 6
The more recollected a man is, and the more simple of heart he becomes, the easier he understands sublime things, for he receives the light of knowledge from above.
The Doctrine of Truth Page 7
If men used as much care in uprooting vices and implanting virtues as they do in discussing problems, there would not be so much evil and scandal in the world, or such laxity in religious organizations.
The Doctrine of Truth Page 7
On the day of judgment, surely, we shall not be asked what we have read but what we have done; not how well we have spoken but how well we have lived.
The Doctrine of Truth Page 7
He is truly great who is little in his own eyes and makes nothing of the highest honor.
The Doctrine of Truth Pages 7–8
He is truly wise who looks upon all earthly things as folly that he may gain Christ. He who does God’s will and renounces his own is truly very learned.
Reading the Holy Scripture Page 10
TRUTH, not eloquence, is to be sought in reading the Holy Scriptures; and every part must be read in the spirit in which it was written.
Reading the Holy Scripture Page 10
God speaks to us in many ways without regard for persons.
Unbridled Affections Page 11
An unmortified man is quickly tempted and overcome in small, trifling evils; his spirit is weak, in a measure carnal and inclined to sensual things; he can hardly abstain from earthly desires.
Unbridled Affections Page 11
True peace of heart, then, is found in resisting passions, not in satisfying them. There is no peace in the carnal man, in the man given to vain attractions, but there is peace in the fervent and spiritual man.
Avoiding False Hope and Pride Page 13
If there is good in you, see more good in others, so that you may remain humble. It does no harm to esteem yourself less than anyone else, but it is very harmful to think yourself better than even one.
Shunning Over-familiarity Page 14
DO NOT open your heart to every man, but discuss your affairs with one who is wise and who fears God.
Obedience and Subjection Page 15
Many live in obedience more from necessity than from love. Such become discontented and dejected on the slightest pretext; they will never gain peace of mind unless they subject themselves wholeheartedly for the love of God.
Obedience and Subjection Page 15
Everyone, it is true, wishes to do as he pleases and is attracted to those who agree with him. But if God be among us, we must at times give up our opinions for the blessings of peace.
Obedience and Subjection Page 15
It may happen, too, that while one’s own opinion may be good, refusal to agree with others when reason and occasion demand it, is a sign of pride and obstinacy.
Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection Page 17
Because they tried to mortify entirely in themselves all earthly desires, and thus they were able to attach themselves to God with all their heart and freely to concentrate their innermost thoughts.
Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection Page 17
If we mortified our bodies perfectly and allowed no distractions to enter our minds, we could appreciate divine things and experience something of heavenly contemplation.
Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection Page 17
The greatest obstacle, indeed, the only obstacle, is that we are not free from passions and lusts, that we do not try to follow the perfect way of the saints.
Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection Page 18
If we tried, however, to stand as brave men in battle, the help of the Lord from heaven would surely sustain us. For He Who gives us the opportunity of fighting for victory, is ready to help those who carry on and trust in His grace.
Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection Page 18
If we let our progress in religious life depend on the observance of its externals alone, our devotion will quickly come to an end.
Acquiring Peace and Zeal for Perfection Page 18
Resist temptations in the beginning, and unlearn the evil habit lest perhaps, little by little, it lead to a more evil one.
The Value of Adversity Page 19
IT IS good for us to have trials and troubles at times, for they often remind us that we are on probation and ought not to hope in any worldly thing. It is good for us sometimes to suffer contradiction, to be misjudged by men even though we do well and mean well. These things help us to be humble and shield us from vainglory.
The Value of Adversity Page 19
Therefore, a man ought to root himself so firmly in God that he will not need the consolations of men.
Resisting Temptation Page 20
Yet temptations, though troublesome and severe, are often useful to a man, for in them he is humbled, purified, and instructed.
Resisting Temptation Page 20
There is no state so holy, no place so secret that temptations and trials will not come. Man is never safe from them as long as he lives, for they come from within us—in sin we were born.
Resisting Temptation Page 22
Some, guarded against great temptations, are frequently overcome by small ones in order that, humbled by their weakness in small trials, they may not presume on their own strength in great ones.
Avoiding Rash Judgment Pages 23–24
If you rely more upon your intelligence or industry than upon the virtue of submission to Jesus Christ, you will hardly, and in any case slowly, become an enlightened man. God wants us to be completely subject to Him and, through ardent love, to rise above all human wisdom.
Bearing with the Faults of Others Page 27
UNTIL God ordains otherwise, a man ought to bear patiently whatever he cannot correct in himself and in others. Consider it better thus—perhaps to try your patience and to test you, for without such patience and trial your merits are of little account. Nevertheless, under such difficulties you should pray that God will consent to help you bear them calmly.
If, after being admonished once or twice, a person does not amend, do not argue with him but commit the whole matter to God that His will and honor may be furthered in all His servants, for God knows well how to turn evil to good. Try to bear patiently with the defects and infirmities of others, whatever they may be, because you also have many a fault which others must endure.
If you cannot make yourself what you would wish to be, how can you bend others to your will? We want them to be perfect, yet we do not correct our own faults. We wish them to be severely corrected, yet we will not correct ourselves.
Monastic Life Page 29
He who seeks anything but God alone and the salvation of his soul will find only trouble and grief, and he who does not try to become the least, the servant of all, cannot remain at peace for long.
The Practices of a Good Religious Page 33
THE life of a good religious ought to abound in every virtue so that he is interiorly what to others he appears to be.
The Practices of a Good Religious Page 33
With good reason there ought to be much more within than appears on the outside, for He who sees within is God, Whom we ought to reverence most highly wherever we are and in Whose sight we ought to walk pure as the angels.
The Practices of a Good Religious Page 34
Devotions not common to all are not to be displayed in public, for such personal things are better performed in private.
The Love of Solitude and Silence Page 36
SEEK a suitable time for leisure and meditate often on the favors of God. Leave curiosities alone.
The Love of Solitude and Silence Page 38
If in the beginning of your religious life, you live within your cell and keep to it, it will soon become a special friend and a very great comfort.
The Love of Solitude and Silence Page 38
In silence and quiet the devout soul advances in virtue and learns the hidden truths of Scripture.
The Love of Solitude and Silence Page 39
Raise your eyes to God in heaven and pray because of your sins and shortcomings. Leave vanity to the vain. Set yourself to the things which God has commanded you to do. Close the door upon yourself and call to you Jesus, your Beloved. Remain with Him in your cell, for nowhere else will you find such peace.
Sorrow of Heart Page 40
IF YOU wish to make progress in virtue, live in the fear of the Lord, do not look for too much freedom, discipline your senses, and shun inane silliness.
Sorrow of Heart Pages 40–41
Fight like a man. Habit is overcome by habit. If you leave men alone, they will leave you alone to do what you have to do. Do not busy yourself about the affairs of others and do not become entangled in the business of your superiors. Keep an eye primarily on yourself and admonish yourself instead of your friends.
Sorrow of Heart Page 42
Our wretched body complains so easily because our soul is altogether too lifeless.
Thoughts on the Misery of Man Page 44
Do not lose heart, then, my brother, in pursuing your spiritual life. There is yet time, and your hour is not past. Why delay your purpose? Arise! Begin at once and say: “Now is the time to act, now is the time to fight, now is the proper time to amend.”
Thoughts on the Misery of Man Page 45
So long as we live in this fragile body, we can neither be free from sin nor live without weariness and sorrow.
Thoughts on the Misery of Man Page 45
How great is the frailty of human nature which is ever prone to evil! Today you confess your sins and tomorrow you again commit the sins which you confessed. One moment you resolve to be careful, and yet after an hour you act as though you had made no resolution.
Thoughts on the Misery of Man Page 45
We have cause, therefore, because of our frailty and feebleness, to humble ourselves and never think anything great of ourselves.
Thoughts on the Misery of Man Page 45
It would be beneficial for us, like good novices, to be instructed once more in the principles of a good life, to see if there be hope of amendment and greater spiritual progress in the future.
Thoughts on Death Page 46
VERY soon your life here will end; consider, then, what may be in store for you elsewhere. Today we live; tomorrow we die and are quickly forgotten. Oh, the dullness and hardness of a heart which looks only to the present instead of preparing for that which is to come!
Therefore, in every deed and every thought, act as though you were to die this very day. If you had a good conscience you would not fear death very much. It is better to avoid sin than to fear death. If you are not prepared today, how will you be prepared tomorrow? Tomorrow is an uncertain day; how do you know you will have a tomorrow?
Thoughts on Death Page 46
What good is it to live a long life when we amend that life so little? Indeed, a long life does not always benefit us, but on the contrary, frequently adds to our guilt.
Thoughts on Death Page 47
How happy and prudent is he who tries now in life to be what he wants to be found in death.
Judgment and the Punishment of Sin Page 50
IN ALL things consider the end; how you shall stand before the strict Judge from Whom nothing is hidden and Who will pronounce judgment in all justice, accepting neither bribes nor excuses. And you, miserable and wretched sinner, who fear even the countenance of an angry man, what answer will you make to the God Who knows all your sins?
Zeal in Amending Our Lives Page 55
A man makes the most progress and merits the most grace precisely in those matters wherein he gains the greatest victories over self and most mortifies his will. True, each one has his own difficulties to meet and conquer, but a diligent and sincere man will make greater progress even though he have more passions than one who is more even-tempered but less concerned about virtue.
Zeal in Amending Our Lives Page 58
A fervent and diligent man is ready for all things. It is greater work to resist vices and passions than to sweat in physical toil. He who does not overcome small faults, shall fall little by little into greater ones.
Meditation Page 60
Do not place much confidence in weak and mortal man, helpful and friendly though he be; and do not grieve too much if he sometimes opposes and contradicts you. Those who are with us today may be against us tomorrow, and vice versa, for men change with the wind. Place all your trust in God; let Him be your fear and your love. He will answer for you; He will do what is best for you.
Meditation Page 60
You have here no lasting home. You are a stranger and a pilgrim wherever you may be, and you shall have no rest until you are wholly united with Christ.
Meditation Page 61
How can you be a friend of Christ if you are not willing to suffer any hardship? Suffer with Christ and for Christ if you wish to reign with Him.
Meditation Page 62
If all were well with you, therefore, and if you were purified from all sin, everything would tend to your good and be to your profit. But because you are as yet neither entirely dead to self nor free from all earthly affection, there is much that often displeases and disturbs you. Nothing so mars and defiles the heart of man as impure attachment to created things. But if you refuse external consolation, you will be able to contemplate heavenly things and often to experience interior joy.
Purity of Mind and Unity of Purpose Page 67
A MAN is raised up from the earth by two wings—simplicity and purity. There must be simplicity in his intention and purity in his desires. Simplicity leads to God, purity embraces and enjoys Him.
Purity of Mind and Unity of Purpose Page 67
If your heart is free from ill-ordered affection, no good deed will be difficult for you. If you aim at and seek after nothing but the pleasure of God and the welfare of your neighbor, you will enjoy freedom within.
Purity of Mind and Unity of Purpose Page 67
If your heart were right, then every created thing would be a mirror of life for you and a book of holy teaching, for there is no creature so small and worthless that it does not show forth the goodness of God.
The Joy of a Good Conscience Page 72
Praise adds nothing to your holiness, nor does blame take anything from it. You are what you are, and you cannot be said to be better than you are in God’s sight. If you consider well what you are within, you will not care what men say about you. They look to appearances but God looks to the heart. They consider the deed but God weighs the motive.
Loving Jesus above All Things Page 73
Love Him, then; keep Him as a friend. He will not leave you as others do, or let you suffer lasting death. Sometime, whether you will or not, you will have to part with everything. Cling, therefore, to Jesus in life and death; trust yourself to the glory of Him who alone can help you when all others fail.
Loving Jesus above All Things Page 74
You will quickly be deceived if you look only to the outward appearance of men, and you will often be disappointed if you seek comfort and gain in them. If, however, you seek Jesus in all things, you will surely find Him. Likewise, if you seek yourself, you will find yourself—to your own ruin. For the man who does not seek Jesus does himself much greater harm than the whole world and all his enemies could ever do.
The Intimate Friendship of Jesus Page 75
How dry and hard you are without Jesus! How foolish and vain if you desire anything but Him! Is it not a greater loss than losing the whole world? For what, without Jesus, can the world give you? Life without Him is a relentless hell, but living with Him is a sweet paradise. If Jesus be with you, no enemy can harm you.
Wanting No Share in Comfort Page 80
I have never met a man so religious and devout that he has not experienced at some time a withdrawal of grace and felt a lessening of fervor.
Appreciating God’s Grace Page 82
Resign yourself to patience rather than to comfort, to carrying your cross rather than to enjoyment.
Appreciating God’s Grace Page 82
God does well in giving the grace of consolation, but man does evil in not returning everything gratefully to God. Thus, the gifts of grace cannot flow in us when we are ungrateful to the Giver, when we do not return them to the Fountainhead.
Appreciating God’s Grace Page 83
Give to God what is God’s and ascribe to yourself what is yours. Give Him thanks, then, for His grace, but place upon yourself alone the blame and the punishment your fault deserves.
Few Love the Cross of Jesus Page 85
JESUS has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross. He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial. He finds many to share His table, but few to take part in His fasting. All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him.
The Royal Road of the Holy Cross Page 88
No one understands the passion of Christ so thoroughly or heartily as the man whose lot it is to suffer the like himself.
The Royal Road of the Holy Cross Page 89
The whole life of Christ was a cross and a martyrdom, and do you seek rest and enjoyment for yourself?
The Royal Road of the Holy Cross Page 89
You deceive yourself, you are mistaken if you seek anything but to suffer, for this mortal life is full of miseries and marked with crosses on all sides.
The Royal Road of the Holy Cross Pages 90–91
Be ready to suffer many adversities and many kinds of trouble in this miserable life, for troublesome and miserable life will always be, no matter where you are; and so you will find it wherever you may hide. Thus it must be; and there is no way to evade the trials and sorrows of life but to bear them.
The Royal Road of the Holy Cross Page 92
With good reason, then, ought you to be willing to suffer a little for Christ since many suffer much more for the world.
Truth Speaks Inwardly without the Sound of Words Page 96
Speak to me for the comfort of my soul and for the amendment of my life, for Your praise, Your glory, and Your everlasting honor.
Listen Humbly to the Words of God. Many Do Not Heed Them Page 100
A Prayer For the Grace of Devotion
O Lord my God, You are all my good. And who am I that I should dare to speak to You? I am Your poorest and meanest servant, a vile worm, much more poor and contemptible than I know or dare to say. Yet remember me, Lord, because I am nothing, I have nothing, and I can do nothing. You alone are good, just, and holy. You can do all things, You give all things, You fill all things: only the sinner do You leave empty-handed. Remember Your tender mercies and fill my heart with Your grace, You Who will not allow Your works to be in vain. How can I bear this life of misery unless You comfort me with Your mercy and grace? Do not turn Your face from me. Do not delay Your visitation. Do not withdraw Your consolation, lest in Your sight my soul become as desert land. Teach me, Lord, to do Your will. Teach me to live worthily and humbly in Your sight, for You are my wisdom Who know me truly, and Who knew me even before the world was made and before I was born into it.
We Must Walk before God in Humility and Truth Page 102
Some men walk before Me without sincerity. Led on by a certain curiosity and arrogance, they wish to know My secrets and to understand the high things of God, to the neglect of themselves and their own salvation. Through their own pride and curiosity, and because I am against them, such men often fall into great temptations and sins.
The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love Page 105
Love often knows no limits but overflows all bounds. Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of troubles, attempts more than it is able, and does not plead impossibility, because it believes that it may and can do all things. For this reason, it is able to do all, performing and effecting much where he who does not love fails and falls.
The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love Page 105
Love is watchful.
The Wonderful Effect of Divine Love Page 106
Let my soul exhaust itself in praising You, rejoicing out of love. Let me love You more than myself, and let me not love myself except for Your sake. In You let me love all those who truly love You, as the law of love, which shines forth from You, commands.”
The Proving of a True Lover Page 109
Fight like a good soldier and if you sometimes fall through weakness, rise again with greater strength than before, trusting in My most abundant grace. But beware of vain complacency and pride.
To Despise the World and Serve God is Sweet Page 118
They who cast aside all carnal delights for Your love will find the most sweet consolation of the Holy Ghost. They who enter upon the narrow way for Your name and cast aside all worldly care will attain great freedom of mind.
How One Should Feel and Speak on Every Desirable Thing Page 130
Grant me Your grace, O most merciful Jesus, that it may be with me, and work with me, and remain with me to the very end. Grant that I may always desire and will that which is most acceptable and pleasing to You.
True Comfort is to Be Sought in God Alone Page 131
If you desire these present things too much, you will lose those which are everlasting and heavenly. Use temporal things but desire eternal things. You cannot be satisfied with any temporal goods because you were not created to enjoy them.
Confessing Our Weakness in the Miseries of Life Page 139
Often it is a small thing that makes me downcast and sad. I propose to act bravely, but when even a small temptation comes I find myself in great straits.
Confessing Our Weakness in the Miseries of Life Page 140
Strengthen me with heavenly courage lest the outer man, the miserable flesh, against which I shall be obliged to fight so long as I draw a breath in this wretched life and which is not yet subjected to the spirit, prevail and dominate me.
Above All Goods and All Gifts We Must Rest in God Page 141
ABOVE all things and in all things, O my soul, rest always in God, for He is the everlasting rest of the saints.
Remember the Innumerable Gifts of God Page 144
OPEN my heart, O Lord, to Your law and teach me to walk in the way of Your commandments. Let me understand Your will. Let me remember Your blessings—all of them and each single one of them—with great reverence and care so that henceforth I may return worthy thanks for them. I know that I am unable to give due thanks for even the least of Your gifts. I am unworthy of the benefits You have given me, and when I consider Your generosity my spirit faints away before its greatness. All that we have of soul and body, whatever we possess interiorly or exteriorly, by nature or by grace, are Your gifts and they proclaim Your goodness and mercy from which we have received all good things.
Remember the Innumerable Gifts of God Page 145
All things come from You; therefore, You are to be praised in all things. You know what is good for each of us; and why one should receive less and another more is not for us to judge, but for You Who have marked every man’s merits.
Self-Love is the Greatest Hindrance to the Highest Good Page 155
Do not covet what you may not have. Do not possess anything that can hinder you or rob you of freedom.
Self-Love is the Greatest Hindrance to the Highest Good Page 156
The place matters little if the spirit of fervor is not there; nor will peace be lasting if it is sought from the outside; if your heart has no true foundation, that is, if you are not founded in Me, you may change, but you will not better yourself.
Self-Love is the Greatest Hindrance to the Highest Good Page 157
Give me, Lord, heavenly wisdom to learn above all else to seek and find You, to enjoy and love You more than anything, and to consider other things as they are, as Your wisdom has ordered them. Grant me prudence to avoid the flatterer and to bear patiently with him who disagrees with me. For it is great wisdom not to be moved by the sound of words, nor to give ear to the wicked, flattering siren. Then, I shall walk safely in the way I have begun.
The Quest of Divine Help and Confidence in Regaining Grace Page 160
Your tardiness in turning to prayer is the greatest obstacle to heavenly consolation, for before you pray earnestly to Me you first seek many comforts and take pleasure in outward things.
The Quest of Divine Help and Confidence in Regaining Grace Page 161
And do not consider yourself forsaken if I send some temporary hardship, or withdraw the consolation you desire. For this is the way to the kingdom of heaven, and without doubt it is better for you and the rest of My servants to be tried in adversities than to have all things as you wish.
Restlessness of Soul—Directing Our Final Intention toward God Page 168
MY CHILD, do not trust in your present feeling, for it will soon give way to another. As long as you live you will be subject to changeableness in spite of yourself. You will become merry at one time and sad at another, now peaceful but again disturbed, at one moment devout and the next indevout, sometimes diligent while at other times lazy, now grave and again flippant.
There is No Security from Temptation in This Life Page 171
MY CHILD, in this life you are never safe, and as long as you live the weapons of the spirit will ever be necessary to you. You dwell among enemies. You are subject to attack from the right and the left. If, therefore, you do not guard yourself from every quarter with the shield of patience, you will not remain long unscathed.
There is No Security from Temptation in This Life Page 171
Moreover, if you do not steadily set your heart on Me, with a firm will to suffer everything for My sake, you will not be able to bear the heat of this battle or to win the crown of the blessed.
Pure and Entire Resignation of Self to Obtain Freedom of Heart Page 176
I have said to you very often, and now I say again: forsake yourself, renounce yourself and you shall enjoy great inward peace.
A Man Should Not Be Unduly Solicitous about His Affairs Page 179
My child, it often happens that a man seeks ardently after something he desires and then when he has attained it he begins to think that it is not at all desirable; for affections do not remain fixed on the same thing, but rather flit from one to another. It is no very small matter, therefore, for a man to forsake himself even in things that are very small.
A man’s true progress consists in denying himself, and the man who has denied himself is truly free and secure.
Peace is Not to Be Placed in Men Page 183
Your love for your friend should be grounded in Me, and for My sake you should love whoever seems to be good and is very dear to you in this life.
Every Trial Must Be Borne for the Sake of Eternal Life Page 194
All that passes away with time is trivial.
The Desire of Eternal Life; The Great Rewards Promised to Those Who Struggle Pages 199–200
My child, often, when the fire is burning the flame does not ascend without smoke. Likewise, the desires of some burn toward heavenly things, and yet they are not free from temptations of carnal affection. Therefore, it is not altogether for the pure honor of God that they act when they petition Him so earnestly.
The Desire of Eternal Life; The Great Rewards Promised to Those Who Struggle Page 200
Ask, therefore, not for what is pleasing and convenient to yourself, but for what is acceptable to Me and is for My honor, because if you judge rightly, you ought to prefer and follow My will, not your own desire or whatever things you wish.
The Desire of Eternal Life; The Great Rewards Promised to Those Who Struggle Page 202
Let this be your wish: That whether in life or in death God may be glorified in you.
How a Desolate Person Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God Page 203
What does Your servant possess that he has not received from You, and that without any merit of his own? Yours are all the things which You have given, all the things which You have made.
How a Desolate Person Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God Page 204
Nothing happens in the world without Your design and providence, and without cause. It is well for me, O Lord, that You have humbled me, that I may learn the justice of Your judgments and cast away all presumption and haughtiness of heart. It is profitable for me that shame has covered my face that I may look to You rather than to men for consolation. Hereby I have learned also to fear Your inscrutable judgment falling alike upon the just and unjust yet not without equity and justice.
How a Desolate Person Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God Page 205
Make of me a pious and humble follower, as in Your goodness You are wont to do, that I may walk according to Your every nod. Myself and all that is mine I commit to You to be corrected, for it is better to be punished here than hereafter.
How a Desolate Person Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God Page 205
You know all things without exception, and nothing in man’s conscience is hidden from You. Coming events You know before they happen, and there is no need for anyone to teach or admonish You of what is being done on earth. You know what will promote my progress, and how much tribulation will serve to cleanse away the rust of vice. Deal with me according to Your good pleasure and do not despise my sinful life, which is known to none so well or so clearly as to You alone.
How a Desolate Person Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God Pages 205–206
Do not allow me to judge according to the light of my bodily eyes, nor to give sentence according to the hearing of ignorant men’s ears. But let me distinguish with true judgment between things visible and spiritual, and always seek above all things Your good pleasure. The senses of men often err in their judgments, and the lovers of this world also err in loving only visible things.
How a Desolate Person Ought to Commit Himself into the Hands of God Page 206
For, as the humble St. Francis says, whatever anyone is in Your sight, that he is and nothing more.
God’s Grace is Not Given to the Earthly Minded Page 211
But he who desires to walk freely with Me must mortify all his low and inordinate affections, and must not cling with selfish love or desire to any creature.
The Different Motions of Nature and Grace Page 212
Nature is crafty and attracts many, ensnaring and deceiving them while ever seeking itself. But grace walks in simplicity, turns away from all appearance of evil, offers no deceits, and does all purely for God in whom she rests as her last end.
The Different Motions of Nature and Grace Page 212
Grace, on the contrary, strives for mortification of self.
The Different Motions of Nature and Grace Page 213
Grace does not consider what is useful and advantageous to herself, but rather what is profitable to many. Nature likes to receive honor and reverence, but grace faithfully attributes all honor and glory to God. Nature fears shame and contempt, but grace is happy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus. Nature loves ease and physical rest. Grace, however, cannot bear to be idle and embraces labor willingly.
The Different Motions of Nature and Grace Page 213
Grace, on the contrary, delights in simple, humble things, not despising those that are rough, nor refusing to be clothed in old garments.
The Different Motions of Nature and Grace Page 213
Grace, however, is kind and openhearted. Grace shuns private interest, is contented with little, and judges it more blessed to give than to receive.
The Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy of Divine Grace Page 217
Hence it is, my God, that according to the inward man I delight in Your law, knowing that Your command is good, just, and holy, and that it proves the necessity of shunning all evil and sin. But in the flesh I keep the law of sin, obeying sensuality rather than reason.
We Ought to Deny Ourselves and Imitate Christ through Bearing the Cross Page 219
Follow Me. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Without the Way, there is no going. Without the Truth, there is no knowing. Without the Life, there is no living. I am the Way which you must follow, the Truth which you must believe, the Life for which you must hope. I am the inviolable Way, the infallible Truth, the unending Life. I am the Way that is straight, the supreme Truth, the Life that is true, the blessed, the uncreated Life. If you abide in My Way you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free, and you shall attain life everlasting.
High Matters and the Hidden Judgments of God are Not to Be Scrutinized Page 226
Rejoice, you humble, and exult, you poor, for the kingdom of God is yours, if only you walk in the truth.
All Hope and Trust are to Be Fixed in God Alone Page 227
I had rather be poor for Your sake than rich without You. I prefer rather to wander on the earth with You than to possess heaven without You.
We Should Offer Ourselves and All that We Have to God, Praying for All Page 256
O Lord, upon Your altar of expiation, I offer You all the sins and offenses I have committed in Your presence and in the presence of Your holy angels, from the day when I first could sin until this hour, that You may burn and consume them all in the fire of Your love, that You may wipe away their every stain, cleanse my conscience of every fault, and restore to me Your grace which I lost in sin by granting full pardon for all and receiving me mercifully with the kiss of peace.
Do Not Lightly Forego Holy Communion Page 260
What good is it to delay confession for a long time or to put off Holy Communion? Cleanse yourself at once, spit out the poison quickly. Make haste to apply the remedy and you will find it better than if you had waited a long time.
Man Should Not Scrutinize This Sacrament in Curiosity, but Humbly Imitate Christ and Submit Reason to Holy Faith Page 283
Be not disturbed, dispute not in your mind, answer not the doubts sent by the devil, but believe the words of God, believe His saints and prophets and the evil enemy will flee from you. It is often very profitable for the servant of God to suffer such things. For Satan does not tempt unbelievers and sinners whom he already holds securely, but in many ways he does tempt and trouble the faithful servant.[1]
[1] Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, 1996), 1–283.
