Quotes from Thomas a Kempis

The resolve of the just depends upon the grace of God, not on their own wisdom; in Him they trust, whatever they undertake. For man proposes, but God disposes; it is not for man to choose his lot.

The more a man hath unity and simplicity in himself, the more things and the deeper things he understandeth;

Renounce all things, and thou shalt find all things; give up thy lust, and thou shalt find rest.

All of us are weak and frail; hold thou no man more frail than thyself.

Although I know nothing against myself, yet I am not hereby justified,(4) because if Thy mercy were removed away, in Thy sight should no man living be justified.(5)

Remain tranquil and prepare to bear still greater trials. All is not lost even though you be troubled oftener or tempted more grievously. You are a man, not God. You are flesh, not an angel. How can you possibly expect to remain always in the same state of virtue when the angels in heaven and the first man in paradise failed to do so? I am He Who rescues the afflicted and brings to My divinity those who know their own weakness.

Whereupon then can I hope, or wherein may I trust, save only in the great mercy of God, and the hope of heavenly grace? For whether good men are with me, godly brethren or faithful friends, whether holy books or beautiful discourses, whether sweet hymns and songs, all these help but little, and have but little savour when I am deserted by God's favour and left to mine own poverty. There is no better remedy, then, than patience and denial of self, and an abiding in the will of God.

Humillemos, pues, nuestras almas bajo de la mano de Dios en toda tribulación y tentación. Porque El salvará y engrandecerá los humildes de espíritu.

Were God Himself the sole and constant object of our desire, we should not be so easily distressed when our opinions are contradicted.

However, because many endeavor to get knowledge rather than live well, they are often deceived and get no or very little benefits.

But if thou knowest that it shall be hurtful unto me, and not profitable for the health of my soul, take the desire away from me'! For not every desire is from the Holy Ghost, although it appear to a man right and good.

It is vanity to wish for a long life and to care little about a well-spent life.

Vanidad es desear larga vida y no cuidar que sea buena.

Therefore, whatsoever seemeth to thee desirable, thou must always desire and seek after it with the fear of God and humility of heart, and most of all, must altogether resign thyself, and commit all unto Me and say, 'Lord, thou knowest what is best; let this or that be, according as Thou wilt.

He who shaneth not small faults falleth little by little into greater.

If he shall not lose his reward, who gives a cup of cold water to his thirst neighbor, what will not be the reward for those who, by putting good books into the hands of those neighbors, open to them the fountains of eternal life?" ~ Thomas À Kempis

Be at peace with yourself first and then you will be able to bring peace to others.

Who has a harder fight than he who is striving to overcome himself.

Thou art my glory and the exultation of y heart: thou art my hope and refuge in the day of my trouble.

What thou art, that thou art.

O Lord, self-renunciation is not the work of one day, nor children's sport; yea, rather in this word is included all perfection.

If thou be not busy for thyself now, who shall be busy for thee in time to come?

Our own opinion of ourselves should be lower than that formed by others, for we have a better chance at our imperfections.

Always be ready; always live in such a way that death can never find you unprepared.