Thomas à Kempis Quotes

There is no great trust to be placed in a frail and mortal man, even though he be useful and dear to us, neither should much sorrow arise within us if sometimes he oppose and contradict us. They who are on thy side to-day, may to-morrow be against thee, and often are they turned round like the wind. Put thy whole trust in God and let Him be thy fear and thy love, He will answer for thee Himself, and will do for thee what is best.

Strive, My Son, to do another’s will rather than thine own. Choose always to have less rather than more. Seek always after the lowest place, and to be subject to all. Wish always and pray that the will of God be fulfilled in thee.

God protecteth and delivereth the humble man, He loveth and comforteth the humble man, to the humble man He inclineth Himself, on the humble He bestoweth great grace, and when he is cast down He raiseth him to glory: to the humble He revealeth His secrets, and sweetly draweth and inviteth him to Himself.

And so little by little the enemy entereth in altogether, because he was not resisted at the beginning.

There is no more grievous and deadly enemy to the soul than thou art to thyself, if thou art not led by the Spirit.

There is no creature so small and abject, that it representeth not the goodness of God.

And because many seek knowledge rather than good living, therefore they go astray, and bear little or no fruit.

For if he who resolveth bravely oftentimes falleth short, how shall it be with him who resolveth rarely or feebly?

He that avoideth not small faults, by little and little falleth into greater.

He who knoweth himself well is vile in his own sight;

If thou desire to profit, read with humility, simplicity, and faithfulness; nor even desire the repute of learning.

A pure, sincere, and stable spirit is not distracted though it be employed in many works; for that it works all to the honor of God, and inwardly being still and quiet, seeks not itself in any thing it doth.

O Lord God, I see that patience is very necessary unto me; for many things in this life fall out contrary.

Seek a suitable time for thy meditation, and think frequently of the mercies of God to thee.

That which profiteth little or nothing is looked after, and that which is altogether necessary is negligently passed by;